Hepatitis B is a very serious disease that infects the liver. Most people recover. However, it can cause permanent liver damage and scarring, and in some cases even death. It is the world's leading cause of liver cancer.

Because this disease is so serious, Saskatchewan Health is introducing a Hepatitis B immunization program for all Grade 6 students in the provinces. A public health nurse will give your child a needle in the arm three times during the school year.

(See more information below.)

• Symptoms of the disease include tiredness, fever, loss of appetite, yellow skin and eyes (jaundice).
• Symptoms may last for weeks or months.
• Many with Hepatitis B do not know they have it.
• Most people recover from the disease. However, up to 10 per cent of people who get Hepatitis B become carriers. This means they can continue to spread the disease and can develop permanent liver damage or even liver cancer. There is no cure for carriers.
  

• Getting blood or other body fluids that are infected with Hepatitis B into your bloodstream (e.g. through a cut);
• Being stuck by a used needle;
• Body/ear piercing or tattoing done with dirty equipment;
• Sex with an infected person.
  

• redness, warmth or swelling at the injection site;
• tiredness or slight fever lasting one to two days.

If your child has a more serious reaction such as a fever of more than 40.5 degrees C (105 degrees F), call your doctor. In addition, call your public health nurse.

If your child has a fever or illness other than a minor cold, the public health nurse will delay the Hepatitis B vaccine.

If your child has had a previous allergic reaction to a vaccine to your child has had a severe allergic reaction to yeast, please contact your public health office.