Hepatitis B Vaccine: Uses, Side Effects & Brands in Pakistan
Hepatitis B Vaccine is an inactivated recombinant vaccine. It is a prescription medicine used for prevention of hepatitis B. In Pakistan it is available as injections, made by 6 different manufacturers. On this page you can read how it works, its common side effects and precautions, and compare the brands and prices available at Medimart.
How Hepatitis B Vaccine works
The hepatitis B vaccine contains a purified surface protein of the virus, not the live virus, so it cannot cause infection. The immune system learns to recognise this protein and produces antibodies, which can then block the real virus if you are exposed in future.
What is Hepatitis B Vaccine used for?
- Prevention of hepatitis B
Hepatitis B Vaccine is given to protect against hepatitis B, a viral infection of the liver that spreads through blood and body fluids and can lead to long-term liver damage, cirrhosis and liver cancer. In Pakistan it is part of the routine childhood immunisation programme, and it is also recommended for healthcare workers, people on dialysis or receiving regular blood products, household contacts of infected people and other at-risk adults.
Side effects of Hepatitis B Vaccine
Reactions to Hepatitis B Vaccine are usually mild and short-lived, settling within a day or two. The most common are:
- Soreness, redness or swelling where the injection was given
- Mild fever
- Tiredness
- Headache
- Irritability in babies
Get emergency help if there is difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or a widespread itchy rash soon after the injection. These allergic reactions are rare, and vaccination staff are trained to manage them.
Precautions and warnings
- The vaccine is given by a healthcare professional as a course of injections, and the full course is needed for good protection.
- Tell the vaccinator if you had a serious reaction to a previous dose or are allergic to yeast or any other vaccine ingredient.
- Vaccination may be postponed if you have a high fever, but a mild cold is not a reason to delay.
- It can be given during pregnancy and breastfeeding when there is a risk of infection, after discussion with your doctor.
- Store it in a refrigerator between 2 and 8°C and do not freeze it.
Frequently asked questions about Hepatitis B Vaccine
What is the price of Hepatitis B Vaccine in Pakistan?
At Medimart, Hepatitis B Vaccine products currently in stock range from Rs 256 to Rs 14,640 per pack, depending on the brand, strength and pack size. The lowest-priced option right now is Hi-Vax B 10mcg Injection at Rs 256. Prices are updated regularly, so the product list on this page always shows the latest price.Which brands of Hepatitis B Vaccine are available in Pakistan?
Hepatitis B Vaccine is sold in Pakistan under brand names such as Engerix-b (Glaxo Smithkline Ltd), Vaxepur (Berna-hakimsons), Hepavax-gene (Green Cross-genesis), Heprovac-b (Highnoon Laboratories Ltdoratories Ltd), Hi-vax (Himont Pharmaceutical Ltd) and Hepatect (Biotest Pharma).Do I need a prescription for Hepatitis B Vaccine?
Yes. Hepatitis B Vaccine is a prescription medicine in Pakistan. Use it only when a doctor has prescribed it, at the dose and for the time they advise.
Can Hepatitis B Vaccine be used during pregnancy?
It can be given during pregnancy and breastfeeding when there is a risk of infection, after discussion with your doctor.
Are all Hepatitis B Vaccine brands the same?
Brands that contain the same amount of Hepatitis B Vaccine in the same form are expected to work in the same way, although inactive ingredients, pack sizes and prices differ. Ask your doctor or pharmacist before switching from one brand to another.
Hepatitis B Vaccine brands and prices in Pakistan
Medimart lists 13 products containing Hepatitis B Vaccine from different manufacturers. Compare strengths, pack sizes and prices below and order online with cash on delivery.
