Not many may know that the Hepatitis-B is 100 times deadlier than HIV and claims around one lakh lives in India every yea, said Dr. Manoj Kumar Sahu, Associate Professor at the Centre of Excellence for Gastrointestinal, Liver and Pancreatobilliary Sciences said on the eve of World Hepatitis Day being observed on July 28.
“Fortunately, a very safe and effective vaccine is available which can prevent the deadly infection and ensure a Hepatitis-B free healthy life. The vaccine has been available for over 40 years but people are not much aware about this infection and its prevention”, Sahu said.
Dr. Sahu said the World Health Organisation (WHO) has recommended vaccination for all children, adolescents and people who were at high risk for the infection. “Age is no bar for vaccination and everybody should be brought into its ambit. Once immunized, the protection remains for life and there is no need for booster injection”, he said adding “the vaccination schedule consists of three injections, administered over a period of six months.”
The IMS and Sum Hospital, he said, has decided to hold a free Hepatitis-B vaccination camp for six days from July 29 to August 3 in the Gastroenterology department. Free screening for the infection is conducted in the hospital on all working days, he said.
Source: OdishaToday.com
