Patient's question:
Mom is a carrier of the hepatitis B virus. How should the baby receive the hepatitis B vaccine? Should the dose be strengthened? I am a carrier of the hepatitis B virus. When the baby was born, I quickly received an injection of immune globulin and the first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine (20 micrograms). The doctor told me to follow the normal dose of the hepatitis B vaccine after returning home. At the time, I asked the doctor if I needed a booster shot for the subsequent doses of the hepatitis B vaccine. She said that the hospital had already given the first dose of 20 micrograms, which was considered a booster. Therefore, I could follow the normal dose after returning home. As a result, when I gave the baby the second dose of the hepatitis B vaccine at home, I only administered the 10 micrograms dose.Doctor's answer:
1. The dosage of the hepatitis B vaccine depends on the type you received. Generally, domestically produced vaccines require a higher dose, while imported ones require a lower dose. Different brands vary, so when your baby was born, receiving 20 micrograms was already a doubled dose. You can take 10 micrograms for the third shot.Advice:
2. When your baby is born, they receive immune globulin. Immune globulin is essentially antibodies, meaning it directly injects antibodies into the baby's body. This is usually given to babies who may be exposed to hepatitis B during delivery. Since babies cannot be infected with hepatitis B while in the womb, and mothers with hepatitis B can only transmit it to their babies during delivery, immediately injecting antibodies after birth can prevent the harm of hepatitis B virus infection.
3. Generally, many people develop antibodies after receiving the first and second shots. Theoretically, one shot of the vaccine can produce antibodies, and the amount of antibodies produced after the second shot is much higher than after the first. Due to varying individual responses, the three-shot schedule was established for safety reasons. So, after completing the third shot, you can go back to your hometown. However, there is one thing you must know: not everyone develops antibodies after vaccination. For safety, it is recommended that your baby be tested for antibody levels after the third shot. If the titer is high, it is safe to return. No problem.