Hepatitis B Vaccine

The Hepatitis B vaccination series is provided at no cost to YMCA employees to safeguard against the Hepatitis B virus, which can lead to severe liver disease. This series consists of three injections administered over six months. Employees may choose to accept or decline the vaccination; however, those who decline may later opt to receive it at no expense during their tenure with the YMCA of Central Ohio. 

Vaccination is strongly encouraged unless one of the following conditions is met:

·         The employee has previously completed the vaccination series

·         Antibody testing indicates immunity, or

·         A medical evaluation determines that vaccination is contraindicated.

If you are interested in getting the vaccine, please call the scheduling line at 614-566-9675 to schedule an appointment when possible to avoid long wait times. Please take the Authorization for WorkHealth Services with you so they know who to bill.

Hepatitis B Vaccination Information

Benefits of the Hepatitis B Vaccination

1.   Prevents Hepatitis B Infection: The primary benefit of the Hepatitis B vaccine is its effectiveness in preventing Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, which can cause severe liver disease.

2.   Reduces Risk of Liver Diseases: Vaccination significantly lowers the risk of chronic Hepatitis B infection, which can lead to liver cirrhosis, liver cancer, and liver failure.

3.   Prevents Transmission: By getting vaccinated, individuals not only protect themselves but also reduce the risk of spreading the virus to others, especially in healthcare settings.

4.   Long-Term Immunity: The vaccine provides long-term immunity. Most individuals who complete the vaccination series develop lifelong immunity against HBV.

5.   Safe for All Age Groups: The vaccine is safe and recommended for people of all ages, including newborns, infants, children, adolescents, and adults.

Potential Side Effects of the Hepatitis B Vaccination

Most people do not experience serious side effects from the Hepatitis B vaccine. However, like any medication or vaccine, it can cause side effects. These are generally mild and temporary:

Common Side Effects:

 Pain at the Injection Site: Mild soreness, redness, or swelling at the site of the injection is the most common side effect.

 Fever: Some individuals may experience a low-grade fever.

  Fatigue: Feeling tired or fatigued for a short period after the vaccination.

Less Common Side Effects:

 Headache: Some people may experience a mild headache.  Nausea: Mild nausea or stomach discomfort can occur.

  Dizziness: Feeling dizzy or lightheaded for a short time after the injection.

Rare Side Effects:

 Allergic Reaction: In very rare cases, severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) can occur. Symptoms may include difficulty breathing, hives, and swelling of the face and throat. Immediate medical attention is required if an allergic reaction occurs.

Important Considerations

 Contraindications: The vaccine should not be given to individuals who have had a severe allergic reaction to a previous dose of the vaccine or to any component of the vaccine.

 Monitoring: After vaccination, individuals should be monitored for a short period to ensure they do not have an immediate allergic reaction.

 Report Side Effects: Any side effects should be reported to a healthcare provider. Serious or unexpected side effects can be reported to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS).

 The benefits of the Hepatitis B vaccine in preventing serious liver disease far outweigh the potential risks of side effects. It is a safe and effective measure to protect against Hepatitis B infection.