MSDSs

Bloodborne Pathogens Program

7.14.1 Information About Hepatitis B and Hepatitis B Vaccine for University Employees

THE DISEASE

Hepatitis B is a viral infection caused by hepatitis B virus (HBV), which causes death in 1% to 2% of patients. Most people with HBV recover completely, but approximately 5 to 10% become chronic carriers of the virus. Most of these people have no symptoms but can continue to transmit the disease to others. Some may develop chronic active hepatitis and cirrhosis. HBV also appears to be a causative factor in the development of liver cancer. Hepatitis B may be transmitted from a pregnant woman to the fetus. Thus, immunization against HBV can prevent acute hepatitis and also reduce the sickness and death from chronic active hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. Hepatitis B vaccine will not prevent hepatitis caused by other agents, such as other viruses known to infect the liver.

THE VACCINE

The recombinant hepatitis B vaccine is a noninfectious viral vaccine derived from HBV surface antigen (the viral coating material) produced in yeast cells. A portion of the hepatitis B virus gene is cloned into yeast, and the vaccine is produced from cultures of this recombinant yeast strain. This vaccine is not produced from human blood or blood products. The safety and effectiveness are similar to the previously available vaccine derived from human plasma. The vaccine itself cannot cause hepatitis B.

Immunization requires three doses of vaccine over a six-month period, although some people may not develop immunity even after three doses. The second and third doses are given one month and six months after the first dose and must be taken on time or the series will be discontinued. If in the future you want to receive the hepatitis vaccine, you must start over again with the first dose. Clinical studies have shown that the vaccine produces protective levels of immunity in greater than 90% of healthy individuals when the three-dose regimen is administered. The duration of the protective effect is unknown at present. The need for booster doses is not yet defined.

POSSIBLE VACCINE SIDE EFFECTS

The literature indicates that hepatitis B vaccine is generally well tolerated. No serious reactions have been reported. Some injection site soreness has been reported. Less common local reactions have included redness, swelling, warmth, or induration. These are generally well tolerated and usually subside within two days of vaccination. Low-grade fever occurs occasionally and is usually confined to a 48-hour period following vaccination. Other complaints such as malaise, headache, dizziness, and muscle and joint aches are infrequent and have been limited to the first few days.

You may wish to consult with your personal physician about the potential risk/benefits of this vaccine and to consult current medical literature.  

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