In this article we will be going over Hepatitis B. Hepatitis B is one of the most prevalent blood born viruses worldwide and is caused by the hepatitis B virus which infects the liver of humans and causes inflammation. Hence the "itis" part. Hep B is transmitted from exposure to infectious blood, bodily fluids such semen and vaginal fluids. Viral DNA has been detected in the saliva, tears and urine in chronic carriers with high "titis" of Hep B in their blood. Perinatal mother to new-born infections is a major route of infection in endemic developing countries. Keep in mind that hepatitis B cannot be transmitted by casual contact. I.E. holding hands, kissing or hugging.
The main at risk groups of patients for contracting hepatitis B are those who inject drugs, those who are sexually promiscuous and change sexual partners often and people traveling to and from parts of the world where hepatitis B is widespread, particularly China and Southeast Asia. There are quite a few world maps obtainable from the CDC or fit for travel illustrating the spread and prevalence of Hepatitis B around the world. Its good to have an updated map to hand and not a printed copy.
There is currently no specific treatment for acute Hepatitis B, therefore vaccination is of the utmost importance for at risk patients. The vaccine has been found to be 95% effective in preventing Hepatitis B. However, the relative rarity Hepatitis B in the UK, the Hepatitis B vaccination is not on the immunization schedule for children.
There are three main dosages there is the basic regime, the accelerated schedule and the very rapid schedule. Make sure that you have checked the SPC each individual product to ensure that the correct schedule can be given for that formulation. Although Hepatitis B is not routinely vaccinated within the UK there are certain areas around the world where it is on the immunization schedule for children, there are some areas within Europe where it's routinely given during the childhood schedule, most notably France and Germany.
So, there is no NHS commissioning Hepatitis B vaccination PGD. It will purely remain in the private sector, so if you identify patients who require the vaccination there will be no commissioning for this and you will have to charge the patient for the vaccine itself. Occupations which need the Hepatitis B vaccination are those which are highly at risk coming into contact with blood these include police officers, nurses, doctors and even pharmacist like yourselves. The Department of Health currently advises that post vaccination Hepatitis B surface antibody levels should only be checked in those with renal failure or health care workers at risk occupational exposure. Antibody levels of over a hundred milli units per mil, indicate a good response to the vaccination. Antibody levels between 10 and a hundred million indicate a poor response and a booster dose should be given immediately to improve response. A blood test can then be taken at around six to eight weeks after the booster dose to check their response. Antibody levels below 10milli units per ml indicate a non-response to the vaccine. Testing for the markets of Hepatitis B infection should be carried out. If there is no evidence of infection then an accelerated course of vaccine may be given to boost immunity. Following the completion of a full course, Department of Health recommends that travellers who have completed a primary course of vaccination, a single booster dose of vaccine at five years is not required unless they are considered to be act continuing risk of infection.
It is not necessary to repeat doses if the Hepatitis B course has been interrupted. Longer than recommended intervals between doses do appear to reduce the final antibody level or efficacy. However, vaccine doses for each schedule should be given at the correct interval. Further information we strongly recommend that you have a look at the most up-to-date clinical guidance. What's really good is the Green Book, if you download this from the online website, then it is the most up-to-date best practice guidance that you can obtain.
The main at risk groups of patients for contracting hepatitis B are those who inject drugs, those who are sexually promiscuous and change sexual partners often and people traveling to and from parts of the world where hepatitis B is widespread, particularly China and Southeast Asia. There are quite a few world maps obtainable from the CDC or fit for travel illustrating the spread and prevalence of Hepatitis B around the world. Its good to have an updated map to hand and not a printed copy.
There is currently no specific treatment for acute Hepatitis B, therefore vaccination is of the utmost importance for at risk patients. The vaccine has been found to be 95% effective in preventing Hepatitis B. However, the relative rarity Hepatitis B in the UK, the Hepatitis B vaccination is not on the immunization schedule for children.
There are three main dosages there is the basic regime, the accelerated schedule and the very rapid schedule. Make sure that you have checked the SPC each individual product to ensure that the correct schedule can be given for that formulation. Although Hepatitis B is not routinely vaccinated within the UK there are certain areas around the world where it is on the immunization schedule for children, there are some areas within Europe where it's routinely given during the childhood schedule, most notably France and Germany.
So, there is no NHS commissioning Hepatitis B vaccination PGD. It will purely remain in the private sector, so if you identify patients who require the vaccination there will be no commissioning for this and you will have to charge the patient for the vaccine itself. Occupations which need the Hepatitis B vaccination are those which are highly at risk coming into contact with blood these include police officers, nurses, doctors and even pharmacist like yourselves. The Department of Health currently advises that post vaccination Hepatitis B surface antibody levels should only be checked in those with renal failure or health care workers at risk occupational exposure. Antibody levels of over a hundred milli units per mil, indicate a good response to the vaccination. Antibody levels between 10 and a hundred million indicate a poor response and a booster dose should be given immediately to improve response. A blood test can then be taken at around six to eight weeks after the booster dose to check their response. Antibody levels below 10milli units per ml indicate a non-response to the vaccine. Testing for the markets of Hepatitis B infection should be carried out. If there is no evidence of infection then an accelerated course of vaccine may be given to boost immunity. Following the completion of a full course, Department of Health recommends that travellers who have completed a primary course of vaccination, a single booster dose of vaccine at five years is not required unless they are considered to be act continuing risk of infection.
It is not necessary to repeat doses if the Hepatitis B course has been interrupted. Longer than recommended intervals between doses do appear to reduce the final antibody level or efficacy. However, vaccine doses for each schedule should be given at the correct interval. Further information we strongly recommend that you have a look at the most up-to-date clinical guidance. What's really good is the Green Book, if you download this from the online website, then it is the most up-to-date best practice guidance that you can obtain.
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