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Hepatitis

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is spread through the ingestion of contaminated food and water, or through close contact with a patient with hepatitis A.

Who should get the Hepatitis A Vaccine?

The Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for individuals at high risk of infection, or who may have severe complications from infection:

  • Travellers to countries where Hepatitis A is widespread
  • Patients with disorders affecting blood clotting such as haemophilia
  • Patients with liver disease
  • Men who have sexual encounters with other men
  • Individuals who use recreational drugs
  • Individuals who are immunocompromised

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a major cause of chronic liver disease, and is endemic in Singapore. It spreads through the blood of an infected person, via sexual intercourse, or from mother to child during birth.

Who should get the Hepatitis B Vaccine?

  • All children should receive the Hepatitis B vaccines as part of the National Childhood Immunization Schedule (NCIS)
  • All adults 18 years or older should receive the vaccine if:
    • They have not been infected with Hepatitis B before
    • They have not been previously vaccinated
    • They are not immune to Hepatitis B

How are the vaccines given?

  • The hepatitis vaccinations are given as injections into the arm
  • Hepatitis A vaccine
    • 2 doses are administered 6 to 12 months apart
  • Hepatitis B vaccine
    • 3 doses are administered over 6 months
  • Hepatitis A/B combination vaccine
    • 3 doses are administered over 6 months

What are the common side effects of the vaccine?

  • Pain or swelling over the injection site
  • Fever, body aches, tiredness
  • Stomach discomfort, loss of appetite, nausea, diarrhea
  • Severe allergic reactions: rashes, eye swelling, lip swelling or difficulty breathing
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