The vaccine for protecting the liver against a specific disease is the Hepatitis B vaccine. This vaccine prevents Hepatitis B, a liver disease that can range from a mild, short-term illness to a serious, lifelong condition.
Understanding Hepatitis B and the Vaccine
Hepatitis B is a viral infection that attacks the liver. Vaccination is the best way to prevent it.
Why Get Vaccinated Against Hepatitis B?
- Prevention: The Hepatitis B vaccine prevents the Hepatitis B virus from infecting the liver.
- Severity of Hepatitis B: Hepatitis B can lead to chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, liver cancer, and even death.
- Public Health: Vaccination helps to reduce the spread of the virus within communities.
Who Should Get Vaccinated?
While universal vaccination is often recommended, specific groups are particularly encouraged to get the Hepatitis B vaccine:
- Infants
- Children and adolescents who were not vaccinated at birth
- People whose sexual partners have hepatitis B
- People who inject drugs
- Healthcare workers
- People with chronic liver disease
