Vaccines, Sera and Other Immunological Agents 439prevention of invasive infections such as
meningitis, septicaemia, epiglottitis etc.
caused by Haemophilus influenzae type b,
diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis.
Dosage: Three injections of 0.5 ml at
one or two months interval followed by a
booster injection administered one year
after the primary vaccination.
DUAL ANTIGEN
It is a uniform suspension of diphtheria
and tetanus toxoid adsorbed on aluminium
phosphate and suspended in isotonic saline
solution.
Adverse effects include mild local
reactions like pain, redness, tenderness at
the site of injection. Mild to moderate
transient fever and irritability.
It is used for active immunisation of
children against diphtheria and tetanus in
cases where it is decided not to immunize
against pertussis also.
Dosage: 3 IM injections of 0.5 ml to be
administered with an interval of four to
eight weeks between doses. A fourth
injection of 0.5 ml should be administered
one year after initial injection.
HEPATITIS B (BEVAC)
Hepatitis B is a worldwide disease
caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). HBV
primarily affects the liver inducing an
inflammatory reaction that destroys liver
cells and often hinders liver function. The
consequences of infection are variable and
unpredictable. They depend on the age and
immunity status of the patient.
The hepatitis B virus is highly infectious.
It is estimated to be 100 times more
infectious than HIV which causes AIDS.
Hepatitis B kills more people in a day than
AIDS kills in a whole year.
Blood is the most important vehicle for
transmission but other body fluids have
also been implicated including semen,
vaginal secretions and saliva.
HBV can spread in three ways: From
mother to child (MTC), at birth and from
person to person.
Hepatitis B vaccine is used for active
immunisation against hepatitis B infection.
Immunisation should be considered in
persons at high risk of contracting hepatitis
B.
Adverse effects include mild transient
soreness and induration at injection site.
Occasionally low grade fever, malaise,
fatigue, headache, nausea and dizziness.
It is used for active immunization
against hepatitis B virus infection.Dosage:- Adults: 1 ml by IM injection into the
deltoid muscle; repeated one month
and six months later. - Children: 0.5 ml by IM injection into the
anterolateral aspect of thigh; repeated
one month and six months later.
Administration: This is for IM use only.
In adults the injection should be given in
the deltoid region; in neonates and infants
the injection should be given in
anterolateral thigh. Dose for adults and
children above 10 years is 20 mcg and for
neonates, infants and children below 10
years the dose is 10 mcg. Three doses are
given as above. For rapid immunization the