Best New Year’s resolution: Get vaccinated!

CEBU, Philippines - One of the best decisions our company had last year was to have all personnel vaccinated against the Hepatitis B virus. The immunization program was able to bring to us the Revac-B+ suspension for injection Hepa-B Vaccine (Recombinant DNA) at less than P400 per shot (of three doses).

Hepa B virus (HBV) infection can have serious consequences including acute massive lepatic necrosis, chronic active hepatitis, liver cirrhosis and even hepatocellular carcinoma. Studies have shown a clear link between chronic hepatitis infection and hepatocellular carcinoma and 80 percent of HCs are caused by HBV. Hepatitis B vaccine has been recognized as the first vaccine against cancer because it can prevent primary liver cancer.

Ensuring a healthy workforce is the best investment your company can undertake too this year, aside from the regular incentives to productivity. Here are the other good reasons:

• Recombinant DNA technology. The Hepa B surface antigen (HBsAg) is produced in genetically engineered yeast cells of Pichia pastoris which carry the gene that codes for the major surface antigen protein of the Hepa B virus (HBV). The HBsAg expressed in yeast cells is purified by complex physical, chemical and biochemical processes. The resultant highly purified surface antigen assembles spontaneously into spherical particles of an average diameter of 20-24 nm containing non-glycosylated polypeptides in a lipid matrix. Manufacturer Bharat Biotech International Limited of Hyderabad, India guarantees that no substance of human origin is used in the manufacture of HBsAg protein.

• High affinity. The antigen is absorbed onto high affinity aluminum hydroxide gel molecules. Hence, the suspension appears almost white and translucent. Recombinant Hepa B vaccine (Revac-B+) is presented in glass vial. The content upon storage may present a fine white deposit with a clear colorless supernatant. The vaccine is slightly opaque once shaken.

• Active immunity. Hepa B vaccine stimulates active immunity to HBV infection. The HBsAg, which is present in recombinant Hepa B vaccine, promotes the production of antibody to HBsAg (anti-HBs); anti-HBs neutralize HBV so that its pathogenic or infective properties are inhibited. Protection against HBV infection is virtually complete in individuals who develop adequate antibody levels after Hepa B vaccine immunization.

• 20 micrograms/milliliter. Hepa B vaccine 20mcg/mL dose is for the active immunization against Hepa B infection in adults and children > 10 years old. Hepa D occurs only in the presence of Hepa B, so by immunizing against Hepa B, Hepa D infection may be prevented. However, Hepa B vaccine will not prevent Hepa caused by other agents such as A, C, and E viruses, and other pathogens known to infect the liver.

The vaccine is intended for deep intramuscular (IM) injection into the deltoid muscle in adults and adolescents, not intravenously nor intradermally. But for patients with thrombocytopenia or bleeding disorders, the vaccine may be administered subcutaneously.

ULIVaccines, Inc. of the product importer and distributor United Laboratories, Inc. warns that prior to the immunization, the patient’s medical history should be reviewed for possible sensitivity to the vaccine. As with any vaccine, appropriate medical treatment including epinephrine should be available for immediate use in case of an anaphylactoid reaction.

Though Recombinant Hepa B vaccine is generally well tolerated, ULIVaccines mentioned of the following undesirable effects reported after the use of the said vaccine: inflammation/swelling at injection site, flushing, influenza-like symptoms, malaise, tingling, sweating, sensation of warmth, weakness, to name a few.

It is best then to have the workers get an orientation first from the company doctor on how to deal with the said undesirable effects.

“Revac-B+ fulfills WHO Requirements for Hepa B vaccine made by recombinant DNA techniques,” Bharat Biotech assures.

According to the Department of Health, immunization is still the most cost-effective public health intervention that can prevent and control diseases.

In its 2013 budget proposal, the DOH allocated P1.8 billion for the Expanded Program on Immunization that includes BCG (Bacille Calmette-Guérin), DPT (diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus), OPV (oral polio vaccine), Hepatitis B, Measles, TT (tetanus toxoid), MR (measles and rubella), Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine and Rotavirus vaccines.

In a statement, the DOH said that “likewise, the Dengue vaccine which is already ongoing its efficacy trials in Asia including the Philippines and other countries in Latin America is set to see its results in 2014, another product of biotechnology’s advances and development in healthcare.”

“Vaccines are still the most cost-effective public health intervention that can prevent and control diseases, are easy to administer and in most cases, afford a lifelong protection; indeed, a breakthrough in healthcare and biotechnology,” stressed DOH Secretary Enrique Ona.

Worldwide, there are around 155 biotechnology drugs and vaccines that are approved for use and the biopharmaceutical industries are still working hard to develop more life-saving biotech products. The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufactures of America reported (2009) that more than 600 biotech medicines are being tested to treat more than 100 diseases. Among these 600 biotech products under development, 210 medicines are for cancers, 22 for cardiovascular diseases, 50 for infectious diseases, 44 for autoimmune diseases and 22 for HIV and related conditions.  (FREEMAN)