Thonburi Trang

 Thailand’s universal newborn HBV vaccine started in 1992. Many Gen-Y adults don’t know their HBV status—some carry the virus silently, risking cirrhosis and liver cancer later in life.

How HBV spreads

• Blood and sharps (needles, tattoo/piercing, shared razors)

• Unprotected sex

• Mother-to-child at birth

No spread from hugging, sharing meals (with serving spoons), or casual contact.

One stop to know your status: the 3-marker test

1. HBsAg – current infection

2. Anti-HBs – protective antibody (≥10 mIU/mL = immune)

3. Anti-HBc (Total) – past exposure

Quick read

• HBsAg positive → see a liver specialist; assess liver function & HBV DNA; plan follow-up/treatment

• HBsAg negative + Anti-HBs positive → immune; no vaccine needed (unless advised for high-risk jobs)

• All negative → get 3-dose vaccine (0-1-6 months)

• Isolated Anti-HBc positive → further evaluation required

Vaccine for adults

• Standard schedule: 0, 1, 6 months

• Post-vaccine antibody check may be considered in high-risk workers/partners

Who should test now

• Born before 1992 or unsure of vaccine history

• Multiple partners/inconsistent condom use

• Tattoo/piercing/needle exposure or work with blood

• Household member with HBV or liver cancer

• Liver disease, fatty liver, or heavy alcohol use

If you’re a carrier

• Regular labs, HBV DNA, and treatment when criteria are met

• Liver cancer surveillance every 6 months (ultrasound + AFP) if indicated (men >40, cirrhosis, family history)

• Avoid alcohol and unsupervised herbal/OTC pain medications

Prevention that sticks

• Condoms every time, no shared sharps, safe tattoo/piercing

• Screen and vaccinate household members

• Pregnant women should test for HBV; if positive, babies need vaccine + HBIG within 12 hours

Visit Thonburi Trang Hospital — Liver Clinic

• Same-day 3-marker testing, vaccine planning, ultrasound and follow-up by gastroenterologists
  Phone: 075-215-215 • Line/FB: @THONBURITRANG