Vaccines Given to Newborns in Ghana (Hepatitis B Vaccine)

The Hepatitis B Vaccine Immunization Schedule

 The Hepatitis B vaccine is part of the pentavalent vaccine. This vaccine is given as a single injection at 6 weeks, 10 weeks and 14 weeks. This vaccine is given on the left mid-thigh. The vaccine provides protection almost lifelong. 

Side Effects of the Pentavalent Vaccine

The common side effects include high temperature for 2 to 3 days, irritable crying baby, Poor feeding and pain at the injection site. The high temperature and pain can be controlled with paracetamol given every 8 hours as recommended.

It is recommended that babies born to mothers who are hepatitis B surface Antigen positive should receive a single hepatitis B vaccine at birth before the routine vaccination at 6 weeks. 

The vaccine is made from a small piece of the hepatitis B virus and does not contain any live virus, so it cannot cause hepatitis B infection.

Hepatitis B Infection

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that primarily affects the liver, and it can be particularly dangerous in children. Hepatitis B is a blood-borne virus that is transmitted through infected blood and body fluids. Children can get infected with hepatitis B during childbirth if their mother is infected, or they can get it through close contact with infected family members or caregivers. Children who have not been vaccinated against hepatitis B are at the highest risk of contracting the virus. It is caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and can be transmitted from person to person through blood, semen, vaginal secretions, and other body fluids. In children, the most common mode of transmission is from infected mothers during birth.

Hepatitis B is a global health problem, with an estimated 292 million people living with chronic HBV infection worldwide. In Ghana, the prevalence of chronic HBV infection may be up to 10 per cent of the population.

Symptoms of Hepatitis B viral infection in Children:

Hepatitis B in children may not cause any symptoms, especially in the early stages. However, as the infection progresses, some common symptoms may include fatigue, fever, abdominal pain, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), dark urine, pale stools, and loss of appetite. Some children may also develop joint pain, rash, or itching.

Prevention of Hepatitis B in Children:

The best way to prevent Hepatitis B in children is through vaccination. The Hepatitis B vaccine is a safe and effective way to protect children from infection. It is recommended that all infants receive the Hepatitis B vaccine. In Ghana, It is usually given in three doses, with the first dose given at 6 weeks and the second and third doses given at 10 weeks and 14 weeks of age, respectively. A dose is given at birth to all babies born to mothers who have a positive Hepatitis B antigen result.

In addition to vaccination of the newborn, parents and caregivers can also take other measures to prevent the transmission of Hepatitis B by ensuring that all family members and caregivers are vaccinated against Hepatitis B. The vaccine works by stimulating the body's immune system to produce antibodies against HBV, which provides long-term protection against the infection. The vaccine is more than 90% effective in preventing HBV infection in children.