There is currently a global shortage of
hepatitis B vaccine which has been caused by problems in the
manufacturing process.
Public Health England, working with NHS England, the Department of
Health and the manufacturers, have put in place a series of measures so that
the NHS and other providers can use the available vaccine for those at highest
immediate risk. Measures are expected to continue until the beginning of 2018
and will be kept under review.
The risk of catching hepatitis B infection in the UK is very low.
In the UK, vaccination is usually offered to individuals who are at
specific risk of being exposed to blood from an infected person. This includes
babies born to mothers who are infected with hepatitis B, the sexual partners
of infected individuals and a range of other groups such as men who have sex
with men, healthcare workers, and people who inject drugs. Vaccination is also
recommended for people who will be undertaking certain activities overseas.
A course of hepatitis B vaccine usually involves 3 doses of vaccine,
completed over a few months. While supplies are limited, vaccine will be
prioritised for those at highest immediate risk based on their doctor’s
assessment. For other people, a doctor may advise that hepatitis B vaccine can
be deferred until later.
Hepatitis B virus is found in the blood and bodily fluids, such as semen
and vaginal fluids, of an infected person. It cannot be spread by kissing,
holding hands, hugging, coughing, sneezing, or sharing crockery and utensils.
Individuals can reduce their risk of contracting hepatitis B by taking
care to:
·
avoid having unprotected sex
·
not inject drugs, or by not sharing needles when injecting
·
avoid having tattoos, piercing or acupuncture when overseas
·
avoid accessing medical or dental care in high prevalence countries
Vaccination will still be available, as now, for those who have already
been exposed to hepatitis B. Such people should seek urgent medical attention
as the infection can still be prevented if treated promptly after the incident.
The recently announced addition of hepatitis B protection to the routine
childhood immunisation programme at 2, 3 and 4 months will go ahead. The
combined vaccine, which protects against hepatitis B and 5 other diseases, is
not affected by this shortage.
Long term hepatitis B infection can be symptomless and people who think
they may have acquired the infection in the past should seek a test from their
healthcare professional.
Source: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/public-health-england
