Hepatitis B vaccine is one of the immunizations that must be given before a 1-year-old child. This type of vaccine includes the first vaccine that must be given when a new baby is born. Actually, why, should newborns be given a vaccine for hepatitis B and what are the benefits?
Newborns are prone to hepatitis B
Newborns have a weak immune system. Therefore, he is very susceptible to various diseases from the environment. The hepatitis B virus is no exception.
According to the Indonesian Ministry of Health's Data and Information Center, 95% of hepatitis B transmission occurs vertically, ie from mother to baby during labor. Whereas the other 5% occur intrauterine or at the time of the uterus.
If transmission occurs during a baby, then most likely this virus will last long in the baby's body and carry over until he is an adult. As a result, babies experience chronic hepatitis B. If it is not quickly handled, this can lead to complications and cause death.
Benefits of hepatitis B vaccine for newborns
The hepatitis B virus that enters the body can cause hardening of the liver which leads to liver function failure and liver cancer. If it continues to be allowed, hepatitis B infection can be one of the causes of death of newborns in Indonesia.
Until now there is no effective hepatitis B treatment. But not to worry, the hepatitis B vaccine is here to help prevent babies and adults from getting the disease.
Vaccines for hepatitis B must be given to newborns 24 hours after birth. Launching from the press release of the Indonesian Ministry of Health, this type of vaccine is useful to prevent transmission of hepatitis B from mother to child during the birth process. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) revealed that this vaccine 75-95% effectively prevented the passage of the hepatitis B virus from the biological mother to her baby.
Be aware of vaccine side effects in infants
Just like other types of vaccines, the hepatitis B vaccine also has a risk of side effects in infants. Your baby may experience a slight fever or pain in the injection area for several days.
But don't worry, these side effects tend to be very mild and even rare. This vaccine contains a virus that is inactive so that it is less likely to cause infection or inflammation in the body. So, the type of hepatitis B vaccine is very safe and beneficial for the health of your little one in its infancy.
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