All forms of hepatitis can cause serious liver damage. A combined hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccination can prevent you from developing the diseases that these viruses cause. The hepatitis C virus mutates quickly and that makes developing an effective vaccine for it difficult.
Hepatitis A Vaccine
The hepatitis A vaccine is given in two doses over a six month period.
Hepatitis B Vaccine
The hepatitis B vaccine is also given in two dose over the same time period and protects against the hepatitis B virus. People at risk for getting both forms of hepatitis should considered the combined vaccine.
Combined Hepatitis A + B Vaccine
A combined vaccine that protects against the hepatitis A and B vaccine became available in 2001. Patients receive this vaccine in three doses over a six-month period. The FDA approved the combined vaccine for use on people 18 and older.
Hepatitis C Vaccine Difficulties
A vaccine for hepatitis C has not been developed. The hepatitis C virus mutates rapidly and can hide in your body for many years before it becomes active. The immune systems of some people who have been exposed to the virus fight the infection off, while other people may develop signs of hepatitis C infection many years after the original infection.
Who Should Be Vaccinated?
Sexually active people, people who work with human blood, intravenous drug users and people who may have been exposed to the virus in cases of food infection should received the combined hepatitis A and B vaccine.
Vaccination Side Effects
Hepatitis vaccinations have very few side effects. Most patients experience little more than soreness in the arm. Less common side effects include headache, low grade fever and fatigue.
Tags: combined vaccine, Hepatitis Vaccine, hepatitis virus, against hepatitis, been exposed, been exposed virus