Types Of Hepatitis And Immunizations

Hepatitis can be classified into 3 main types namely Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C. Both Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B can be prevented with the help of vaccines. Hepatitis A may be caused when people work in unhygienic conditions and may have consumed contaminated water or food or if people come into contact with those infected with the disease.

Hepatitis B may be caused when there is direct contact with the infected blood of another person, unsafe sexual practices with infected people, and use of infected needles. Hepatitis C may also be transmitted in the same way as Hepatitis B but the main difference between the two is that Hepatitis C cannot be prevented with a vaccine, but it can be prevented by avoiding contact with the blood of an infected person.

The Hepatitis B vaccines include 3 injections given over a period of 6 months and Hepatitis A vaccines include only 2 injections. Both these vaccines are very safe and not very expensive. Interestingly there is an injection called Twinrix, which combines both the Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B vaccines and it includes only 3 injections. With this vaccine a person can get protection against both types of hepatitis with just 3 injections instead of 5 and with a 40 percent reduction in needle prick to the staff that provide the vaccination.

Both Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B vaccines are very powerful and can provide long term protection against the disease. It is believed that Hepatitis A vaccine can ensure protection against the disease for as long as 25 years.

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Types Of Hepatitis And Immunizations