Hepatitis Vaccination for Adults and Children: A Guide

Q: Hepatitis Vaccination for Adults and Children: A Guide

Hello： Hepatitis virus test reports are usually indicated as (positive) or (negative), and it is rare to use normal test values. <br>If HBsAg is (negative), it is necessary to further test for Anti-HBsAg. <br>If Anti-HBsAg is (positive), it indicates that antibodies are present.

Vaccine

Hello, doctor.
I would like to ask you about my blood test results.
Both the Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and the Hepatitis C antibody (Anti-HCV) values are normal, but I am unclear if this indicates that I have antibodies, especially since I have never received the hepatitis vaccine.
How should adults receive the vaccination? Additionally, how should it be administered correctly for children under 10 years old? Thank you!

Xiao Guang, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2007/03/19

Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine

Hello: Hepatitis virus test reports are usually indicated as (positive) or (negative), and it is rare to use normal test values.
If HBsAg is (negative), it is necessary to further test for Anti-HBsAg.
If Anti-HBsAg is (positive), it indicates that antibodies are present.
If Anti-HBsAg is (negative), it means that there is neither infection nor antibodies present, and at this point, the Hepatitis B vaccine needs to be administered.
The Hepatitis B vaccine requires three doses (0, 1, 6 months) for both adults and children.
The second dose is administered one month after the first dose, followed by the third dose five months later.
Thank you for your correspondence, and I hope the above information addresses your concerns.
Hualien Hospital, Dr.
Tsai Jue-Ren.

Reply Date: 2007/03/19

More Info

When it comes to hepatitis vaccination, understanding the nuances of testing and vaccination schedules is crucial for both adults and children. Based on your inquiry regarding the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis C antibody (Anti-HCV) tests, let’s clarify what these results mean and how vaccination should be approached for both adults and children.

Understanding Test Results
1. HBsAg (Hepatitis B Surface Antigen): This test indicates whether a person is currently infected with the hepatitis B virus (HBV). If the result is negative, it means that the individual is not currently infected.

2. Anti-HCV (Hepatitis C Antibody): This test checks for antibodies to the hepatitis C virus (HCV). A negative result suggests that the person has not been infected with HCV.

If both tests are negative, it indicates that the individual has neither an active hepatitis B infection nor a past infection with hepatitis C. However, it does not confirm the presence of antibodies against hepatitis B unless an additional test for anti-HBs (antibodies to hepatitis B surface antigen) is performed. If anti-HBs is also negative, it means that the individual has not been vaccinated against hepatitis B and does not have immunity.

Vaccination Recommendations
#
For Adults
Since you mentioned that you have never received the hepatitis B vaccine, it is recommended that you begin the vaccination series. The hepatitis B vaccine is typically administered in three doses:
- First Dose: At a time of your choosing.

- Second Dose: One month after the first dose.

- Third Dose: Five months after the second dose.

This schedule is often referred to as the 0-1-6 month schedule. After completing the series, it is advisable to have a follow-up test to check for the presence of anti-HBs to confirm that you have developed immunity.

#
For Children Under 10 Years
The vaccination schedule for children is similar to that for adults. The hepatitis B vaccine is usually given in a series of three doses, starting at birth:
- First Dose: At birth.

- Second Dose: At 1-2 months of age.

- Third Dose: At 6-18 months of age.

If a child has not received the vaccine according to this schedule, they can still receive it at any age. The same 0-1-6 month schedule applies, and it is important to ensure that the child receives all three doses to achieve adequate immunity.

Additional Considerations
1. Safety and Efficacy: The hepatitis B vaccine is safe and effective, with over 90% of vaccinated individuals developing protective antibodies. It is crucial for both adults and children to receive this vaccine, especially in populations at risk for hepatitis B infection.

2. Monitoring: After vaccination, it is important to monitor for the development of antibodies to ensure that the vaccination was successful. This is typically done through a blood test about 1-2 months after the final dose.

3. Prevention: In addition to vaccination, practicing safe behaviors such as avoiding sharing needles, ensuring safe sex practices, and maintaining good hygiene can help prevent hepatitis B and C infections.

In summary, if you have never been vaccinated against hepatitis B and your tests indicate no current infection, you should proceed with the vaccination series. For children under 10, the same vaccination protocol applies. Regular follow-ups and monitoring are essential to ensure immunity and overall liver health. If you have further questions or concerns, consulting with a healthcare provider is always a good step.

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