Parents have a lot on their plates when it comes to preparing their kids for back to school. And that preparation is ten-fold if they have multiple kids heading off to school for the first time. Not only do parents have to worry about first-day-of-school jitters and their child being somewhat on their own for the first time, but there’s also the added pressure of making sure their child has everything they need for this next chapter in their lives. With all of that going on, it’s easy to see how parents’ health can get put on hold. As a parent, your number one priority is always going to be your child, but it’s also crucial to prioritize your health, too. Bonnie Hui-Callahan, a pharmacist, mom of four, and founder of The Clinician-Leader shares tips about why it’s important for parents to make sure vaccinations, such as the hepatitis B vaccine, are a part of the back-to-school checklist. Bonnie explains, “As mothers, we have to value our health because we know the important role we play in the family and we need to be on top of our game so that we can be there for our families. With the kids being back in school it gives us parents time to get caught up on our health.”
People who don’t know they’re infected can spread the hepatitis B virus, which is why it’s important for all unvaccinated adults to get caught up. Beginning in 1991, hepatitis B vaccination became the standard of care for infants as part of a routine childhood vaccination series, making it the first shot infants likely received before leaving the hospital but if you were born before 1991, you may not be protected against hepatitis B. Read below for everything you need to know about the virus and why vaccination is essential to protection.
What is Hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B is a vaccine-preventable liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV), according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For many people, hepatitis B is a short-term illness, but, for some, it can become a long-term, chronic infection that can lead to serious, even life-threatening health issues like liver disease or liver cancer.
Why is this vaccine so crucial?
Because there is no cure for chronic hepatitis B, the best way to prevent hepatitis B is by getting vaccinated. While there are several adult hepatitis B vaccine options available there is only one that protects adults with just two doses in one month – HEPLISAV-B (Hepatitis B Vaccine [Recombinant], Adjuvanted).
INDICATION
HEPLISAV-B is indicated for the prevention of infection caused by the hepatitis B virus in adults 18 years of age and older.
“Other hepatitis B vaccines are 3 doses over the course of 6 months. Fortunately, because we know how full and hectic family life can get, it’s great that there is now a way for many adults to get protected against the hepatitis B virus with HEPLISAV-B — the only hepatitis B vaccine that offers protection with just two doses over one month,” Bonnie says.
The CDC recommends hepatitis B vaccination for all eligible adults aged 19-59.* Knowing you have the same protection as your child can help create ease of mind for you, leaving you available and ready to handle anything else that comes your way as a parent.
Where can I get the HEPLISAV-B vaccine?
You made sure your child was protected against hepatitis B. Now there is a way for you to catch up on your own health. It can be difficult to juggle all that life throws at you, but HEPLISAV-B helps you get caught up to get caught up on your health. While other adult hepatitis B vaccines require at least three doses and take six months to complete, HEPLISAV-B offers protection with HEPLISAV-B. 2 doses. 1 month. Done.
“Completing all doses of a vaccine series like hepatitis B vaccine is the best way to get yourself fully protected against the virus. If your immune system can’t fight off the hepatitis B virus, it can linger in your body and lead to serious illnesses such as cirrhosis or liver cancer. for hepatitis B, protecting yourself through vaccination is key,” Bonnie says.
To find a local pharmacy that offers HEPLISAV-B, all you have to do is enter your city, state, or zip code on the HEPLISAV-B pharmacy finder.
INDICATION
HEPLISAV-B is indicated for the prevention of infection caused by the hepatitis B virus in adults 18 years of age and older.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
If you have a history of severe allergic reaction after a previous dose of any hepatitis B vaccine, or to any ingredient of HEPLISAV-B, including yeast, do not take HEPLISAV-B.
HEPLISAV-B must be given by a medical professional, who will monitor you afterwards to check for allergic reaction.
If you are immunocompromised, or receiving immunosuppressant therapy, you may have less of an immune response to HEPLISAV-B.
Some people have hepatitis B infection without being aware of it or showing any symptoms. If you already have hepatitis B present in your body, HEPLISAV-B may not prevent hepatitis B infection.
The most common side effects reported by patients within 7 days of vaccination with HEPLISAV-B were pain at the site of injection (23%-39%), tiredness (11%-17%), and headache (8%-17%).
Please see full Prescribing Information.
*The CDC also recommends hepatitis B vaccination for adults aged ≥60 years with risk factors. Adults aged ≥60 years without risk factors may receive hepatitis B vaccination. This recommendation applies to previously unvaccinated adults.
This article was created by SheKnows for Dynavax.
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