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Hepatitis B is a serious disease that can cause liver damage, cancer, and death. The hepatitis B vaccine is a safe and effective way to prevent this disease. The cost of the hepatitis B vaccine in the Philippines varies depending on the brand, healthcare facilities, and location. This article will provide every Filipino who needs to know about hepatitis B, including symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and hepatitis B vaccine price in the Philippines.
According to NCBI research, the prevalence of HBsAg seropositivity in the Philippines remains hyperendemic at 16.7%, resulting in an estimated 7.3 million adult Filipinos infected with the hepatitis B virus.
Hepatitis B is a blood-borne condition that can be harmful and even fatal to an infected individual. How is it transmitted? How is it treated? This article will give you the facts you need to know about the Hepatitis B virus and how you can protect yourself from getting infected.
What Is Hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B is a serious liver infection that can be prevented by vaccination. It is brought on by the hepatitis B virus (HBV), which is found in blood, semen, or other bodily fluids. When blood, semen, or other bodily fluids from someone infected with the HBV enter the body of someone who is not infected, the HBV can be transmitted.
Adults who are infected with HBV should get vaccinated to help prevent this infection from spreading and to protect themselves and their children. If you want to know the hepatitis B vaccine price in the Philippines, scroll down below.
How Is HBV Transmitted?
HBV is transmitted when blood, semen, or other bodily fluids from a person infected with the virus enter the body of an uninfected person. Sexual contact, sharing of needles, syringes, or other drug-injection tools, or passing from mother to child at birth are all examples of how this might happen.
It can also be spread through contact with contaminated objects, such as needles and razor blades. Sharing razors, toothbrushes, and glucose monitors with someone who has an HBV infection might cause skin or mucous membrane breaks and expose you to infected blood.
HBV can endure outside the body and is contagious for at least seven days. For those Filipinos who want to find out the hepatitis B vaccine price in the Philippines, scroll down below.
Hepatitis B Symptoms
Not everyone who has recently contracted HBV experiences symptoms, but those who do may experience the following most commonly:
- Jaundice
A high quantity of bilirubin, a yellow-orange bile pigment, causes jaundice, a disorder in which the skin, whites of the eyes, and mucous membranes turn yellow. Hepatitis, gallstones, and tumors are just a few of the many causes of jaundice. Jaundice in adults typically doesn’t need to be treated.
- Dark-colored urine
Bilirubin may build up in the blood and urine, which may also cause the excreted urine to be dark-colored, or amber.
- Clay-colored stools
Pale, clay-colored stools can be indicative of liver damage which can also be caused by Hepatitis.
- Increased levels of liver enzymes in the blood
Two primary laboratory tests may be the initial indication of an infection in the liver or Hepatitis: the SGPT(Serum Glutamate Pyruvic Transaminase) or ALT (Alanine Transaminase) and the SGOT (Serum Glutamic Oxaloacetic Acid) or AST (Aspartate Transaminase). These two liver enzymes are most likely to increase in cases of liver damage or Hepatitis.
Other symptoms include:
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Loss of Appetite
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Confusion
How Can I Protect Myself From Hepatitis B?
You can take steps to protect yourself from the disease:
1. Get vaccinated if you are at risk
FAQs about getting vaccinated for hepatitis B in the Philippines.
Who are at risk for HBV Infection?
The following groups are more likely to contract HBV:
- Workers in the medical field and public safety are in danger of occupational exposure to blood or body fluids tainted with blood.
- Sexual relationships of HBV-positive individuals
- Males who have sex with men
- Infants born to HBV-infected parents
- Drug injectors
- Household members or sexual partners of known HBV-positive individuals
- Patients undergoing hemodialysis
- If you want to know the hepatitis B vaccine price in the Philippines, kindly scroll down below.
Who is recommended to be screened for HBV Infection?
- People injecting drugs
- HIV-Infected people
- Household and sexual contact of people with HBV infection
- Men who have sex with men
- People requiring immunosuppressive therapy
- People with end-stage renal disease
- Patients undergoing chemotherapy
- Blood and tissue donors
- People with elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels (>19 IU/L for women and >30 IU/L for men)
- Infants born with HBV-infected parents
- Pregnant women (HBsAg or Hepatitis–Surface Antigen Test is the most common initial test for pregnant women)
- People living in places or regions with a high prevalence of Hepatitis may be also recommended to be tested for HBV.
- For those Pinoys who want to know the hepatitis B vaccine price in the Philippines, please scroll down below.
Are there vaccines available for Hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B Vaccines are usually administered, prioritizing people at increased risk, such as health workers and people in the medical field exposed to such infectious diseases. Additionally, the following institutions and fields may be required for vaccination:
- Facilities for HIV testing and treatment
- Treatment centers for STDs
- Establishments offering assistance for drug abuse prevention and treatment
- Correctional facilities
- Healthcare facilities that provide assistance to drug injectors
- Facilities offering medical assistance to men who have sex with men
- Facilities for chronic hemodialysis and initiatives for end-stage renal illness
- Facilities for persons with developmental disabilities, both residential and non-residential
- If you want to know the hepatitis B vaccine price in the Philippines and if they are available, please scroll down below.
2. Get Tested for Hepatitis B
FAQs about getting tested for hepatitis B in the Philippines.
How do I Get Tested for Hepatitis B?
If you are at risk for hepatitis B or are exhibiting signs and symptoms of the virus, your Filipino hepatology doctor will likely want to test you for the virus. Testing can be done using blood, followed by other procedures such as ultrasound.
What are the tests for Hepatitis B that are usually ordered by a Filipino Physician?
Multiple hepatitis B virus-specific antigens and antibodies are measured as part of hepatitis B serologic testing.
In order to distinguish between the various stages of HBV infection and to ascertain whether a patient has acute or chronic HBV infection, is immune to HBV as a result of prior infection or vaccination, or is susceptible to infection, various serologic “markers” or combinations of markers are used.
- Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg)
During acute or chronic hepatitis B viral infection, high quantities of HBsAg, a protein on the surface of the hepatitis B virus, can be seen in the serum. The presence of HBsAg shows that the person is contagious.
As part of the body’s typical immunological response to infection, HBsAg is usually produced. The hepatitis B vaccine is also made using this antigen.
- Hepatitis B Surface Antibody (Anti-HBS)
Anti-HBs are typically taken as a sign of immunity and recovery from hepatitis B virus infection. A person who has received a successful hepatitis B vaccination also develops anti-HBs.
- Total Hepatitis B core Antibody (Anti-HBc)
Anti-HBc is present at the first sign of severe Hepatitis B and lasts the rest of one’s life. Anti-HBc is a sign of past or present hepatitis B virus infection in an ambiguous time period.
- IgM Antibody to Hepatitis B Core Antigen (IgM Anti-HBc)
Positive results suggest recent (within six months or less) hepatitis B virus infection. Its presence suggests an acute infection.
- IgG Antibody to Hepatitis B Core Antigen (IgG Anti-HBc)
Positive results suggest past or present hepatitis B virus infection. Its presence suggests an acute or chronic infection. If you want to know the hepatitis B vaccine price in the Philippines, scroll down below.
How soon after HBV exposure can HBsAg be found in the blood of an infected patient?
An infected person will have HBsAg in their blood for an average of 4 weeks (range: 1–9 weeks) following virus exposure. By 7 weeks after the onset of symptoms, about half of patients will no longer be contagious, and by 15 weeks following the onset of symptoms, all patients who do not continue to be chronically infected will be HBsAg-negative.
Can Hepatitis B still reactivate?
The sudden reappearance or increase in HBV DNA in a patient with previously inactive chronic or cured hepatitis B is known as HBV reactivation. It frequently comes with a flare-up in the disease’s activity and an increase in liver enzyme levels, either with or without symptoms. HBV reactivation can be fatal and severe. If you want to find out the hepatitis B vaccine price in the Philippines, scroll down below.
People with chronic hepatitis B who have immune system suppression are vulnerable to the hepatitis B virus reactivating. Significant liver damage or even liver failure may result from this. This includes individuals using immunosuppressive drugs, such as chemotherapy or high-dose corticosteroids. You ought to get tested for hepatitis B before using these drugs. Before beginning these therapies, you should see a physician in the Philippines if you test positive for hepatitis B.
3. Be Aware Of The Complications
Being knowledgeable on what are the consequences and complications of being HBV-infected, you can most likely to do the precautionary and preventive measures. If you want to learn the hepatitis B vaccine price in the Philippines, scroll down below.
Hepatitis B, once left untreated, may result in the following:
- Liver Cancer
- Liver Failure
- Cirrhosis or Scarring of the liver
- Reactivation of Hepatitis B Virus
4. Observe Other Precautionary Measures
Aside from vaccination and awareness of risks, other precautionary measures can also be observed in order to protect yourself from being infected with HBV.
- If you’re not absolutely positive that your partner is free of HBV or any other STIs, then refrain from having unprotected intercourse.
- If you are not sure of your partner’s health, use a fresh latex or polyurethane condom each time you have sex. Condoms can lower your risk of getting HBV, but they don’t completely eradicate it.
- Seek assistance to stop using illegal drugs if you do. If you must continue, inject using a sterilized needle. Never swap used needles.
- Look for a reputable establishment before getting a tattoo or piercing. Ask about the cleaning procedures for the equipment. Make sure that the staff only uses sterile needles. If you are unable to acquire answers, try another store.
- Ahead of time, inquire with your Filipino doctor (hepatologist) about the hepatitis B vaccine if you’re going to a place where the disease is prevalent. Over the course of six months, it is typically administered in a series of three injections.
Hepatitis B Vaccine Price in the Philippines: How much is it?
So, what is the hepatitis B vaccine price in the Philippines? How much per shot, and where can I get one?
Here are the prices of hepatitis B from a government hospital, private hospital, laboratory clinic, and mobile medical service provider. The prices of the hepatitis B vaccine may vary depending on the brand, clinic, or hospital where it is administered.
Click the name to view their respective websites and contact details.
Government: Hepatitis B Vaccine Price in the Philippines
Below is a matrix of Hepatitis B vaccine prices from various government hospitals in the Philippines.
| Name of Government Hospital | Hepatitis B Vaccine Price (Government) |
| Dr. Paulino J. Garcia Memorial Research And Medical Center | PHP 117.33 |
| Bataan General Hospital | PHP 122.34 |
| Amang Rodriguez Memorial Medical Center | PHP 127.33 |
| Mayor Hilarion A. Ramiro, Sr., Medical Center | PHP 129.44 |
| Far North Luzon General Hospital And Training Center | PHP 129.73 |
| Rizal Medical Center | PHP 131.24 |
| Southern Philippines Medical Center | PHP 134.23 |
| Cagayan Valley Medical Center | PHP 134.43 |
| Northern Mindanao Medical Center | PHP 137.44 |
| Schistosomiasis Hospital | PHP 144.43 |
| East Avenue Medical Center | PHP 147.44 |
| Eversley Childs Sanitarium And General Hospital | PHP 165.87 |
Private laboratory: Hepatitis B Vaccine Price in the Philippines
Hepatitis B vaccine price from Hi-Precision
| Name of Laboratory | Hepatitis B Vaccine Price (Laboratory) |
| Hi-Precision hepatitis B vaccine cost | PHP 1,790.00 |
Private hospital: Hepatitis B Vaccine Price in the Philippines
Hepatitis B vaccine price from The Medical City
| Name of Private Hospital | Hepatitis B Vaccine Price (Hospital) |
| The Medical City hepatitis B vaccine cost | PHP 1,159.00 |
Home Service Medical Service: Hepatitis B Vaccine Price
Hepatitis B vaccine price from Juan Medical. They will visit your house so you can be vaccinated in the comfort of your bed.
| Name of Private Hospital | Hepatitis B Vaccine Price | Age Group |
| Juan Medical hepatitis B vaccine cost | PHP 2,799 – PHP 2,599.00 | Kids |
| Juan Medical hepatitis B vaccine cost | PHP 3,599.00 – PHP 3,499.00 | Adult |
Important notice: The above hepatitis B vaccine prices may change without prior notice.
Conclusion: Hepatitis B vaccine price in the Philippines
Hepatitis B is a highly contagious virus that affects the liver. It can be deadly, especially to those who are not vaccinated or who don’t have immunity build-up from previous infections. There are a number of things you can do to lower your risk of getting HBV. By following these simple tips, you can greatly reduce your risk of contracting hepatitis B. If you do become infected, be sure to see your Filipino doctor for treatment.
Resources: Hepatitis B vaccine price in the Philippines
- Hepatitis B infection among adults in the Philippines – NCBI
- Hepatitis B – The Medical City
- Hepatitis B – Hi-Precision
- Drug Selected: Vaccine, Hepatitis B (Recombinant) 10 mcg/0.5 mL, 5 mL Vial – Department of Health, Philippines
- Vaccinations – Watsons Health Hub
- Resources for Patients: Overview What is Hepatitis – The Hepatology Society of the Philippines
- Hepatitis B Vaccination – CDC
- Hepatitis B Vaccination – Hepatitis B Foundation
- Hepatitis B Vaccination for Adults — Who Needs It and When? – National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases
- Your Child’s Immunizations: Hepatitis B Vaccine (HepB) – The Nemours KidsHealth
- Hepatitis B vaccine – NHS
- Hepatitis B – World Health Organization (WHO)
- Recommended Doses of Hepatitis B Vaccine – Minnesota Department of Health
- A Look at Each Vaccine: Hepatitis B Vaccine – Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
- Universal Hepatitis B Vaccination in Adults Aged 19–59 Years: Updated Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices – National Library of Medicine
Disclaimer
This website is intended to educate both members of the general public and those working in the medical field on the prevalence, causes, and methods for preventing, diagnosing, and treating diseases that affect people throughout their lives. This website’s content is provided solely for informational reasons and is not meant to serve as a substitute for the advice of a qualified medical practitioner.
