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Hepatitis B Vaccine Grade 7 Student Clinic
The Ontairo Ministry of Health and Long Term Care provides free Hepatitis B vaccine to all grade 7 students on a voluntary basis. Hepatitis B is a serious viral infection that attacks the liver and can lead to liver failure or liver cancer.
It is spread by exposure to infected blood or body fluids. The virus can survive a long time on items that have come into contact with these fluids, for example; toothbrushes, nail files, razors, used needles, piercing or tattooing equipment that is not cleaned properly. Symptoms of Hepatitis B include fatigue, fever, loss of appetite and jaundice (yellow skin and eyes). Some people may be carriers of the disease and not even feel ill. They could infect others and not know it.
Information regarding Hepatitis B and the vaccine is sent home through the school by the Public Health Nurse usually in the fall. The student's parent or guardian must complete a signed consent for immunization before the student can be immunized.
Public Health Nurses hold Hepatitis B vaccine clinics at various school sites during the fall and the spring to provide the 2 doses necessary for protection. As well, students may receive the vaccine at the Health Unit by booking an appointment at (519) 258-2146 ext. 1425 or 1426. Grade 7 students who miss the clinic scheduled for their school, can book an appointment at the Health Unit.
Hepatitis B vaccine can also be administered by the family doctor or at a clinic, but the parents must assume the cost of the vaccine. In this case 2 or 3 doses may be required.
If a student previously completed a series of Hepatitis B shots, further doses are not required. Please provide the dates of these shots to the Health Unit at (519) 258-2146 ext. 1425 or 1426.
The vaccine used by the Health Unit for this programme is Recombivax HB. Two doses of 1 ml. each are administered 4 - 6 months apart for students 11 - 15 years of age.
Side effects of Hepatitis B vaccine may consist of soreness at the injection site or slight fever. More serious effects are very rare.
Some students may not be able to receive Hepatitis B vaccine particularly those who have previously had an allergic reaction to thimerosol, aluminum or yeast. Immunization will be delayed for any student with a fever or serious infection until the child recovers.
If your child has health problems, please check with your doctor before signing the consent form.
For further information or the Hepatitis B school schedule, contact the Health Unit at 258-2146 ext. 1222.
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