Hepatitis B Vaccination

Hepatitis B is an inflammation of the liver caused by infection with the hepatitis B virus. This inflammation can be severe or less severe in form. Around 400 million people worldwide are chronically infected. Hepatitis B is transmitted through sexual relations and through blood. Consider blood transfusion in certain countries, used syringes, non-sterile piercing or tattooing. Hepatitis B is also more common in some population groups, In the Netherlands this includes immigrants, men who have sex with men and people with alternating sexual contacts. Chronic hepatitis B can lead to liver cirrhosis, liver failure and liver cancer and can cause death.

A number of occupational groups are at risk of hepatitis B infection through blood contact. These include dentists and police officers, as well as tattooists and piercers. Just a small amount of contaminated blood is enough to contract the virus. For information on occupational risk and vaccination, see project vaccination.