Understanding Hepatitis B Vaccination: Do You Need More Doses?
Hepatitis B vaccine If I have only received the hepatitis B vaccine once, will I produce antibodies, or do I need to have a blood test, or should I continue with the vaccinations? I received my first dose in December.
Dr. Cai Mengru Reply:
Dear Ms. Jing, Hello. Generally speaking, after receiving the first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine, it is possible to develop antibodies, but these can only be maintained for a short period. Therefore, it is recommended to complete the full series of three vaccine doses to achi...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Vaccination: Do You Need More Doses?
Understanding Hepatitis Vaccination for Adults and Children: A Guide
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 th...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
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-...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis Vaccination for Adults and Children: A Guide
Understanding Hepatitis B Vaccination for Adolescents: Key Considerations
Issues related to hepatitis B vaccination? The girl is currently 14 years old. During a school health check in the first year of junior high, the results indicated that she is a "carrier of hepatitis B." After further testing at the hospital, it was determined that she ...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello: A negative Hepatitis B surface antibody (Anti-HBs) result may vary depending on different testing machines or reagents. However, since this result is not urgent and will not cause immediate harm to the body, there is no need to worry too much. It is recommended that you vi...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Vaccination for Adolescents: Key Considerations
Should I Restart or Continue My Hepatitis B Vaccination Series?
Regarding the prevention of hepatitis B through vaccination? Hello, doctor. I had a health check-up last August and found that I did not have antibodies for the hepatitis B vaccine. The doctor recommended that I receive the vaccine. I received the first dose on December 15, and t...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello: Since the time interval is not too long, I recommend that you quickly get your second dose of the vaccine at Hualien Hospital. Dr. Tsai Jue-ren.[Read More] Should I Restart or Continue My Hepatitis B Vaccination Series?
Understanding Hepatitis B Test Results: Key Questions Answered
Health Checkup for Hepatitis B Hello, regarding the results of the hepatitis B screening, in 2005, all five tests (HBsAg, HBsAb, HBeAg, HBeAb, HBcAb) were negative. Following the doctor's recommendation, the hepatitis B vaccine was administered, and in 2006, the results show...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello, The following chart is extracted from the Hepatitis Research Center at National Taiwan University, and I hope you can understand it. Interpretation and Clinical Significance of Hepatitis B Serological Markers: | Clinical Significance | HBsAg | HBsAb | HBcAb | HBeAg | H...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Test Results: Key Questions Answered
Understanding Hepatitis B Vaccination: Why Antibodies May Be Low
Vaccine I had a blood test in the fourth grade, and it indicated "please receive the hepatitis B vaccine." However, I had already received three doses as a child. Why is it that I still don't have antibodies? Do I need to get vaccinated again?
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello, receiving the hepatitis B vaccine does not guarantee the presence of antibodies. Since there are over 3 million carriers of hepatitis B in Taiwan, it is recommended that you receive the vaccine as soon as possible. Thank you for your inquiry. Dr. Tsai Jue-ren, Hualien Hosp...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Vaccination: Why Antibodies May Be Low
Understanding Hepatitis B: Symptoms, Testing, and Vaccination Options
Hepatitis B Hello. Due to a previous issue regarding hepatitis B during my university health check, I was advised by a doctor to get vaccinated, but I didn't take it seriously at the time. I wasn't sure if I needed to get vaccinated because I had antibodies or if I was ...
Dr. Xu Li'an Reply:
Hello, Xiao Hei. You can get the hepatitis B vaccine at the family medicine clinic. One dose costs around two to three hundred NT dollars, and you will need to receive three doses in total. I suggest you wait to inquire about the cost until after your examination at the clinic, w...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Symptoms, Testing, and Vaccination Options
Can I Get My Hepatitis B Vaccine at a Local Clinic?
excuse me? Hello, I previously received two doses of the Hepatitis B vaccine at the Far Eastern Memorial Hospital in Banqiao. I am scheduled to receive the third dose in February. Can I get the vaccine closer to my location? Are all the vaccines the same? Should I also go to a fa...
Dr. Huang Jianling Reply:
Aru: It is recommended to consult with a family medicine physician for vaccination; it is not necessary to go to a specific hospital, as many large hospitals and some clinics offer vaccinations. Sincerely, Dr. Huang Jianling.[Read More] Can I Get My Hepatitis B Vaccine at a Local Clinic?
Understanding Hepatitis B Vaccination: Timing, Coverage, and Costs
Hepatitis B vaccine Could you please provide information on the timing and method of hepatitis B vaccination, whether it is covered by health insurance, the reimbursement process, and the out-of-pocket cost? Thank you.
Dr. Huang Jianling Reply:
1. Infants weighing over 2 kilograms can receive the hepatitis B vaccine: one dose at birth, one dose at one month, and one dose at six months; all are free of charge. 2. For adults with negative hepatitis B surface antigen and antibody [HBsAg(-) HBsAb(-)], it is recommended to ...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Vaccination: Timing, Coverage, and Costs
Understanding Health Check Results: Common Concerns and Next Steps
Health check results Hello Doctor, I have some questions and would appreciate your guidance. Background: As part of the new student enrollment process, a health check is required. I had a health check at Tainan City Hospital last year, where my hemoglobin levels were low, but ...
Dr. Lin Mingxing Reply:
Dear Dr. Lin Ming-Hsing of the Family Medicine Department at Tainan Hospital, Health Department of the Executive Yuan: 1. Regarding the issue of protein in urine, it is advisable to avoid testing around your menstrual period and to refrain from taking fish oil. Please consider r...[Read More] Understanding Health Check Results: Common Concerns and Next Steps
Should You Get Tested for Cancer? Understanding Family History Risks
Familial ~ I would like to ask, because I have heard my mother say that my grandfather died of stomach cancer and my grandmother died of blood cancer, and almost all relatives on my grandmother's side have died of cancer, do I need to get checked? My mother passed away this ...
Dr. Huang Jianling Reply:
Smile: The hereditary factors for blood cancer and stomach cancer account for only 1%, while up to 99% of cases are due to environmental factors that lead to cancer. In Taiwan, the primary causes of liver cancer are hepatitis B and C. Therefore, it is recommended to get tested at...[Read More] Should You Get Tested for Cancer? Understanding Family History Risks
Understanding Your Health Check Results: Key Questions and Insights
Health check results A few days ago, I sent you a letter, but since I haven't received a response, I am sending it again. Hello: Important medical history: Congenital heart disease, corrected Tetralogy of Fallot. Current symptoms: I often experience cramps in my left leg...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Dear Ms. Ahua, In response to your questions, I will address them one by one: 1. Your health check report indicates a mean corpuscular volume (MCV) of 70.4 (<80), which suggests microcytic anemia. Aside from thalassemia, other potential causes for the decreased MCV include d...[Read More] Understanding Your Health Check Results: Key Questions and Insights
When to Avoid Hepatitis B Vaccine: Key Considerations and Precautions
Hepatitis B vaccine Under what circumstances should the hepatitis B vaccine not be administered? For example, can I receive the vaccine while I have a cold? Are there any precautions to take after receiving the vaccine? Is there anything I should avoid eating after getting the va...
Dr. Lin Mingxing Reply:
Dr. Lin Ming-Hsing from the Family Medicine Department of Tainan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, stated that the situations in which the hepatitis B vaccine should not be administered are: 1. HBsAg positive (chronic hepatitis B carrier) 2. Anti-HBs antibody positive (pr...[Read More] When to Avoid Hepatitis B Vaccine: Key Considerations and Precautions
Understanding Health Check Results: Analyzing Anemia and Antibody Testing
Health Checkup Contents Hello, doctor. I have a female friend who just completed a health check-up, and the report is as follows: 31-year-old female, 172 cm, 66 kg; heart rate 53 beats per minute; Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) --> 73.7%; Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH) -->...
Dr. Xie Wenjie Reply:
1. The normal hemoglobin (HB) levels vary between genders, with a general reference value of HB:12 being sufficient for females. However, the size of red blood cells affects their function; typically, an MCV (mean corpuscular volume) of less than 80 indicates that the cell volume...[Read More] Understanding Health Check Results: Analyzing Anemia and Antibody Testing
Understanding Your Negative Hepatitis B Test Results and Next Steps
Health check-up Hello, doctor. Recently, the health check report from school indicated that "your hepatitis B surface antigen and antibody tests are both negative (-). Please visit the family medicine clinic to receive the hepatitis B vaccine." What does this mean? Will...
Dr. Sun Weixu Reply:
Hello: A negative result for both Hepatitis B surface antigen and antibody indicates that there has been no past infection with Hepatitis B, or that there was an infection that did not result in chronic carrier status (though this is unlikely). Therefore, it is recommended to vis...[Read More] Understanding Your Negative Hepatitis B Test Results and Next Steps
Understanding Hepatitis B Vaccine: Do Antibodies Fade Over Time?
About the Hepatitis B Vaccine I had a hepatitis B test at the hospital a year or two ago (I can't remember the exact time), and I didn't have antibodies at that time. After receiving two doses of the vaccine, I was tested again and antibodies were present. However, this...
Dr. Li Yuqi Reply:
Hepatitis B antibodies are classified into transient antibodies (Anti-HBc) and permanent antibodies (Anti-HBs), and it is unclear which type of antibody was present years ago. The standard protocol for the Hepatitis B vaccine involves administering three doses within six months. ...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Vaccine: Do Antibodies Fade Over Time?