Hepatitis B is a type of infection of the liver caused by Hepatitis B virus.
It is common in Hong Kong. Around 40% of the local population above 40 years of age has been infected with Hepatitis B virus.
To avoid contracting this infection, newborn babies should receive Hepatitis B vaccination.
Routes of Transmission
The virus is present in blood and body fluids. There are 3 ways of transmission:
(1) By Blood
Caused by direct contact with contaminated blood, e.g. wound contact, through blood transfusion, or shared use of razors, tooth brushes or needles.
(2) By Sexual Contact
The virus can be transmitted through exchange of body fluids, such as during sexual activities. Wearing a condom may help prevent the chance of infection.
(3) From Mother to Infant
A mother who is a Hepatitis B virus carrier has a great chance of transmitting the virus to her baby at or around the time of delivery.
Outcomes of Hepatitis B Viral Infection
(1) Chronic Carrier
Without proper management, nearly 90% of infants born to carrier mothers become infected, among whom 70-90% will become chronic carriers. Most of these carriers appear healthy, with no signs or symptoms of the disease.
(2) Acute Viral Hepatitis
The incubation period of acute viral hepatitis is 6 weeks to 6 months. The symptoms are extreme tiredness, poor appetite, nausea, upper abdominal discomfort, jaundice and tea-colored urine. The majority of acute infections resolve completely with clearance of the virus.
(3) Chronic Liver Diseases
A proportion of chronic carriers of Hepatitis B virus eventually develop chronic liver diseases, e.g. chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis of liver or liver cancer.
Hepatitis B Vaccination Program
Hepatitis B vaccine is a safe and effective vaccine. With effect from the 15th November 1988, the Government has been offering this free vaccination service to all newborn babies. the complete program comprises 3 doses.
Term Babies
Table 1
Mother is a Hepatitis B Carrier
First dose: Within 24 Hours after Birth (Together With Hepatitis B Immunoglobulin)
Second dose: At 1 Month after the First Dose
Third dose: At 5 Months after the Second Dose
Mother is Not a Hepatitis B Carrier
First dose: At Birth
Second dose: At 1 Month after the First Dose
Third dose: At 5 Months after the Second Dose
To achieve the best and lasting protection, children MUST complete all three doses. Hepatitis B vaccine can be given together with other types of vaccine.
Pre-term Babies
1. Born to Non-carrier Mothers
It is recommended that pre-term babies born to non-carrier-mothers shall receive vaccination when their body weight reaches 2 kg.
2. Born to Carrier Mothers
Pre-term babies of body weight less than 2 kg. whose mothers are carriers should receive Hepatitis B vaccination combined with HB Immunoglobulin at birth. However, this dose is not counted in the 3-dose-course of vaccination. The first valid dose of vaccine should still be given when the baby's body weight reaches 2kg.
Special Situation
Children who have not yet received a full course of Hepatitis B vaccination or with unknown vaccination history, should go to relevant health care clinics or the Maternal & Child Health Centres of the Department of Health for Hepatitis B vaccination.
Post-vaccination Reaction
The Hepatitis B Vaccine is a mild vaccine and normally does not cause serious side effects after vaccination. Occasionally there might be slight swelling or soreness around the injection site, which will automatically disappear in one or two days.
Places for vaccination
After discharge from the hospital, parents should bring their infants to clinics for Hepatitis B vaccination (please refer to Table 1 on the previous page). The Material & Child Health Centers of the Department of Health provide free vaccination program to children below 6 years of age. Parents should also bring along the immunization record (ie. injection card) for record purpose.
Immunization record
Please Note:
1. For best protection children MUST receive all three injections.
2. The intervals between individual doses should be followed.
3. Mothers who are Hepatitis B virus carriers may continue breast feeding their babies.
To protect health of your baby, please remember to bring your child to the health care facilities or the Maternal & Child Health Centers for Hepatitis B vaccination.
If you want to know more health information, you can dial 2883 0111, the 24 hour health education hotline of the Department of Health (in Cantonese, English and Putonghua) or visit our website http://www.info.gov.hk/healthzone
