Jetting off

Vaccination against hepatitis B disease is recommended if you are travelling to areas of the globe where the condition is prevalent. This is particularly if you will be participating in activities that raise your risk of infection. Individuals who travel for extended periods of time or are likely to require medical treatment while abroad are also at risk. Keep reading to learn how you can protect yourself with the hepatitis B vaccine in Exeter.

Hepatitis B is transmitted through the blood and bodily fluids of infected individuals. Sexual activity, drug use, or participation in contact sports while travelling can all increase your risk.

Hepatitis B is prevalent throughout the world but is especially common in some regions of:

– Africa
– The Middle East
– Asia
– Eastern and southern Europe

In most cases, hepatitis B immunisation requires three doses. These can be stretched over a period of up to 6 months or as little as 3 weeks, depending on how soon you require protection.

What is the hepatitis B vaccine in Exeter used for?

Hepatitis B vaccination is routinely offered through the National Health Service (NHS).

Additionally, it is administered to individuals who are believed to be at a higher risk of contracting hepatitis B or suffering from its complications.

The vaccine protects against the hepatitis B virus, a leading cause of serious liver illness, including liver scarring (cirrhosis) and liver cancer.

Hepatitis b vaccine in Exeter

Where do I get my travel vaccines?

To begin, contact or see your pharmacist or primary care physician to determine whether your vaccination record in the United Kingdom is up-to-date.

Notify the pharmacist of any past vaccines if you have the records.

Additionally, you should inquire about your GP’s participation in the NHS’s free travel immunisation programme, since not all GP practices are signed up.

If your GP doesn’t offer travel vaccinations on the NHS, you can consider the following options:

– Private vaccination clinics
– Pharmacies that provide medical services to travellers

A pharmacist can provide up-to-date information and general travel health advice, such as how to avoid contracting hepatitis B.

If necessary, they can provide you with any missed doses of your UK immunisations. Not all travel vaccinations are covered by the NHS, even if they are advised for a specific region.

If your GP practice is enrolled in the NHS travel vaccination programme, you may receive these vaccines for free. GPs may charge for additional non-NHS travel vaccinations.

Other things to keep in mind

Additional factors to consider when scheduling travel vaccines include the following:

– Your age and health status – you may be more susceptible to illnesses than others; certain vaccines are not recommended for individuals with specific medical conditions.
– As an assistance worker, you can come in contact with other diseases while working in a refugee camp or assisting in the aftermath of a natural disaster.
– Working in a medical facility — extra vaccines may be required for a doctor, nurse, or other healthcare professional.
– Animal contact — you may be more susceptible to diseases transmitted by animals, such as rabies.
– If your travels are limited to Northern and Central Europe, Australia or North America, you are unlikely to require vaccines.

However, it is critical to ensure that you are current on standard vaccinations provided through the NHS.

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What are the side effects of the hepatitis B vaccine in Exeter?

The Hepatitis B vaccine is considered safe and effective. Apart from minor redness and pain at the injection site, adverse reactions are uncommon.

Because the vaccination is inactivated (dead), it cannot trigger the actual infection.

How effective is the hepatitis B vaccine?

Hepatitis B is highly preventable with the hepatitis B vaccine. Around nine out of ten persons who get vaccinated develop immunity to hepatitis B.

The vaccine may have reduced efficacy in the following individuals:

– Those above the age of 40
– People who are obese
– Smokers
– Alcoholics, particularly those suffering from severe liver disease

If you have a weaker immune system or are on dialysis for kidney failure, the hepatitis B vaccine may not perform as well as it should. It is possible that you will require more dosages.

Travelling

What does hepatitis B immunisation involve?

Three shots of the hepatitis B vaccination at appropriate intervals are required for complete protection.

Infants born to mothers who have been diagnosed with hepatitis B will receive six doses of hepatitis B vaccination to guarantee long-lasting protection.

If you are a healthcare worker or have kidney failure, you will have a follow-up appointment to determine how well the vaccine worked.

If you’ve been vaccinated through your employer’s occupational health programme, you may request a blood test to determine whether or not your body has responded to the vaccine.

Getting the hepatitis B vaccine in Exeter during an emergency

If you’ve been subjected to the hepatitis B virus and haven’t been vaccinated previously, you should seek medical attention immediately, as you may benefit from the hepatitis B vaccine.

In some cases, in addition to the hepatitis B vaccine, you may need to receive an injection of antibodies known as specific hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG).

Ideally, HBIG should be administered after 48 hours of exposure, although it may be administered up to a week later.

Book your appointment today to get your vaccination!

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This blog post was written on behalf of Luxtons Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.