Vaccines for Hepatitis A & B

Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver and may be caused by viruses, bacteria, and certain medications. Hepatitis A is caused by a virus and may be spread through contaminated food or water. Although infected persons may not experience symptoms, fever and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) may occur. Hepatitis B is also caused by a virus and is a serious infection that may become chronic. Signs and symptoms of hepatitis B include fever, joint pain, weakness, fatigue, and jaundice.

There is not a specific treatment available for hepatitis A. For hepatitis B, there is currently no cure. Hepatitis B immune globulin can be administered within twenty-four hours of infection to potentially prevent the development of hepatitis B. An antiviral medication such as lamivudine (Epivir HBV), adefovir (Hepsera), or tenofovir (Viread) may be prescribed for chronic hepatitis B. For prevention, hepatitis A vaccine (Havrix, VAQTA) is administered as one dose with a booster dose six months later, and is recommended for children at 1 year of age and other persons at increased risk of becoming infected. The hepatitis B vaccine (Recombivax HB, EnergixB) is a series of three or four injections administered to infants and individuals at increased risk of becoming infected over a six-month period.





Brought to you by Cheek & Scott Drugs, Inc.
A Community Pharmacy serving North Central Florida.

Live Oak:
386-362-2591
1520 Ohio Ave South; Live Oak, FL 32064

Lake City:
386-754-5377
161 Stonegate Ter; Suite 105; Lake City, FL 32024

Online:
www.CheekAndScott.com


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