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Hepatitis B immune globulin has large amounts of hepatitis B antibodies taken from donated human blood. Antibodies are proteins that a person’s immune system makes to fight germs, such as viruses or bacteria.
Hepatitis B immune globulin provides immediate, short-term protection against hepatitis B infection. Hepatitis B immune globulin is approved by Health Canada.
If you have been exposed to hepatitis B virus, and have not received the hepatitis B vaccine in the past, you should get one dose or shot of hepatitis B immune globulin.
Hepatitis B immune globulin works best if given as soon as possible and within 14 days after exposure to the hepatitis B virus.
Hepatitis B immune globulin is recommended for the following:
A dose of hepatitis B vaccine is given at the same time as hepatitis B immune globulin. Two more doses of hepatitis B vaccine are given later to provide full, long-term protection against infection. Speak with your public health nurse or doctor about when to receive these doses. For more information, see HealthLink BC File#25a Hepatitis B Vaccine.
Hepatitis B immune globulin provides immediate, short-term protection against hepatitis B infection. It can prevent illness or make the illness less severe.
Common reactions to hepatitis B immune globulin may include soreness and itchiness where the shot was given. Mild fever or general discomfort may also occur.
| Acetaminophen or Tylenol® can be given for fever or soreness. ASA or Aspirin® should NOT be given to anyone under 20 years of age due to the risk of Reye Syndrome. |
It is important to stay in the clinic for 15 minutes after getting any shot because there is a rare possibility of a life-threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. This may include hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the throat, tongue or lips. If this happens after you leave the clinic, call 911 or the local emergency number. This reaction can be treated and occurs in less than one in a million people who get the shot.
Report serious or unexpected reactions to your public health nurse or doctor.
Yes, Canadian Blood Services screens and tests every blood donation. Since blood screening and testing began, there have been no reports of blood-borne infections like HIV or hepatitis B in persons receiving hepatitis B immune globulin.
Speak with a public health nurse or doctor if you have:
Effort is made to seek parental or guardian consent prior to immunization. Children under the age of 19 who are able to understand the risks and benefits may consent to or refuse immunizations, regardless of the parent’s or guardian’s wishes. It is recommended that parents/guardians and their minor children discuss immunizations beforehand, and ask the nurse or doctor any questions.
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For more HealthLink BC File topics, visit www.HealthLinkBC.ca/healthfiles/index.stm or your local public health unit. Click on www.HealthLinkBC.ca or call 8-1-1 for non-emergency health information and services in B.C. For deaf and hearing-impaired assistance, call 7-1-1 in B.C. Translation services are available in more than 130 languages on request. |
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