How Long Is Hepatitis Vaccination Effective?

Posted on Fri, 17 Jul 2015

Question: Sir I have received 3 hepatitis vaccination shot at age of 9 now I'm 25 sir now I have to take vaccination again or I'm protected??

Answered by Dr. Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (41 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
No need of vaccination again

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Thanks for the query

There is no need of booster dose of vaccination once you have completed your primary immunisation.Studies have shown that after complete immunisation the immunological memory lasts longer than 25 years.
Even if the antibodies level in blood are low the immunological memory is well developed to protect you from reinfection.
So,don't worry you don't need to be vaccinated again.

I hope this helps.
I shall be glad to answer if you have any more query.

With regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Neel Kudchadkar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (28 minutes later)

Sir as u earlier mentioned then it is sure I will be free from the virus infection in future and now can relax?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (5 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes,you can relax

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for writing back

Once get vaccinated the chances of reinfection is almost negligible due to the immunological memory.
So just relax. You need not to be worried.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (4 minutes later)

Sir I was bitten my vaccinated dog 40 days back and doctor gives me only 0 3 and 7 days vaccination only 3 shots!!i was heard 5 shots are given for rabies?now days I confirmed from every where they say only 3 shots are given if dog is pet and vaccinated why so??

Answered by Dr. Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (19 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Lots of debates regarding rabies vaccination

Detailed Answer:
There are lots of debates regarding rabies vaccination and also there are differences between regular practice and recommended guidelines.

One and very important thing I would like to mention that the rabies is a fatal disease(there is no treatment once symptoms develop) and there is no harm of vaccination(except for cost issues).
The World Health Organisation does not recommend even a single dose of vaccination if you are bitten by a WELL immunised pet.

Here WELL IMMUNISED means that the pet has received vaccination properly(depends on transport,storage of vaccine,vaccination technique and many other issues) and has developed full immunity(confirmed by antibodies level in serum).
Considering all this and unknown antibodies level in the pet most of the physicians including me advise to take vaccination at least 3 dosage.As if bitten by a rabid pet,the pet usually dies within 10 days(before the 4th dose at 14 day).To be on safer side better to vaccinate rather than to wait for 10 days to watch for the symptoms to develop in the pet.If pet remains well further dosage are not needed.

I hope I would have been able to make you understand.
I shall be glad to answer if you have any further doubts.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (5 minutes later)

Yes sir it's been 40 days and dog is fully healthy!!thanks for your well explained answer!!I'm thanking you!!

Answered by Dr. Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (3 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
My pleasure

Detailed Answer:
I am glad to know that you found my suggestion helpful.

I will be happy to help you in clearing your doubts in future also.

Wish you a healthy life.

With best regards

Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar