A Hepatitis B Vaccination camp was held at Rajakiya Kanya Uchchatar Madhyamik Vidyalaya, Vikasnagar in Lucknow on October 18, 2008 by Purnanand Tewary Sewa Sansthan. Around 200 school students participated in the camp and were vaccinated by the Hepatitis B vaccine. Our HOPE B-rodh coordinators also participated in the camp screened the film Ek Prayas Zindagi Ki Aur. The film was much appreciated by the audience and helped in reaching out to large sections of the community.

HEPATITIS-B

Around 4% of the population in India is infected with hepatitis-B virus.

Hepatitis B is the inflammation of liver caused by Hepatitis B (HBV) virus. If prolonged can lead to liver cirrhosis (or scarring), liver cancer and liver failure. It is transmitted via blood and other body fluids (vaginal secretion and semen).
The other modes of hepatitis-B transmission are unsafe blood transfusion, infected/un-sterilized needles, sharing sharp objects, infected mother to her new born, tattooing and ear piercing with un-sterilized needles.
Usually the disease is asymptomatic i.e. it has no symptoms either indefinitely or until there is sufficient liver damage for the symptoms to manifest at later stage. It can be diagnosed only by a blood test.

The people with history of any of the following should get diagnosed and tested for Hepatitis-B

a. History of blood transfusions.    

b. History of major surgery or several surgeries.

c. Family contacts of anyone with a known liver disease.

d. Patients who take regular injections for any cause such as asthmatics, diabetics who get blood tested in labs that do not use disposable needles and syringes,

e. Health care workers

f. Those with close physical contact with multiple people.

Safe and effective vaccines to protect you and your loved ones against hepatitis B are easily available
The disease can be prevented by getting a series of vaccines. Three shots of vaccine at 0,1 and 6 months are recommended for all age groups for protection against Hepatitis-B.