HBV Vaccination

(Two most cancer vaccines required to prevent cancer in India are HPV and HBV vaccines. Here we will learn about HBV vaccines and in the next page about HPV vaccine)

What is Hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infects the liver and can lead to chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and eventually hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) — the most common form of liver cancer.
HBV spreads through blood and body fluids: from mother to child at birth, unsafe injections, sexual contact, and contaminated instruments.

The HBV vaccine is one of the few vaccines proven to prevent a major human cancer.

Role in Prevention of Liver Cancer (HCC)

Chronic HBV infection is a leading cause of liver cancer in India and Asia.
Persistent viral replication causes long-term liver inflammation → fibrosis → cirrhosis → cancer.

By preventing HBV infection, vaccination:

• Prevents chronic hepatitis

• Prevents cirrhosis

• Reduces lifetime risk of hepatocellular carcinoma by 70–90%

• Provides long-term (often lifelong) protection

Countries implementing universal HBV vaccination have already shown a marked fall in childhood liver cancer rates.

Who Should Get Vaccinated (India)

As per National Immunization Schedule and medical guidelines:

All newborns (most important)

• Birth dose within 24 hours of delivery

Children and adolescents

• Any unvaccinated child should receive catch-up vaccination

Adults at high risk

• Healthcare workers

• Household contacts of HBV patients

• Dialysis patients

• Blood transfusion recipients

• Diabetics on insulin injections

• People with multiple sexual partners

• IV drug users

• Patients with chronic liver disease

General adults

• Any unvaccinated adult can safely receive the vaccine

Dosage Schedule

Standard schedule

• 0, 1, and 6 months (three doses)

Newborn schedule (India UIP)

• Birth dose (within 24 hours)

• Followed by routine infant combination vaccines at 6, 10, 14 weeks

Special situations

• Dialysis/immunocompromised: higher dose or booster required

Booster doses are usually not required in healthy individuals after full vaccination.

Benefits

• Prevents hepatitis B infection

• Prevents chronic carrier state

• Prevents cirrhosis

• Prevents hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer)

• Protects family and community transmission

• Long-term immunity (often lifelong)

Risks and Side Effects

HBV vaccine has an excellent safety record.

Common mild effects

• Injection site pain

• Mild fever

• Fatigue

Rare

• Allergic reaction (extremely uncommon)

The vaccine does not affect fertility, growth, or liver function.

Key Takeaway

Hepatitis B vaccination is a powerful cancer-prevention tool. Universal vaccination — especially the birth dose — is the most effective way to reduce future liver cancer burden.

When combined with screening and treatment of infected individuals, HBV vaccination can significantly reduce hepatocellular carcinoma in the population.