NEIGRIHMS Conducts Free Hepatitis Vaccination Drive in Shillong

Staff Correspondent

SHILLONG: NEIGRIHMS launched a free Hepatitis vaccination campaign to benefit around 500 outsourced cleanings and Group ‘D’ staff working in the hospital. The campaign was launched by NEIGRIHMS Director Prof (Dr) DM Thappa by inoculating the first vaccination dose to Larihun Lyngdoh Mawphlang.

Medical Superintendent Prof (Dr) Noor Topno issued the vaccination cards to the beneficiaries. The program is being organized by the Office of Medical Superintendent in collaboration with sanitation section of the hospital. The drive will continue till July 31.

Hepatitis B vaccination prevents the healthcare workers against deadly blood-borne Hepatitis B. Chief Sanitation Officer expressed his gratitude to the Director and Medical Superintendent for making the vaccination drive possible, which will benefit around five hundred employees in the first phase, stated a press release.

The most common causes of hepatitis worldwide are viruses. Other causes include heavy alcohol use, certain medications, toxins, other infections, autoimmune diseases, and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). There are five main types of viral hepatitis: type A, B, C, D, and E.Hepatitis A and E are mainly spread by contaminated food and water. Hepatitis B is mainly sexually transmitted, but may also be passed from mother to baby during pregnancy or childbirth. Both hepatitis B and C are commonly spread through infected blood such as may occur during needle sharing by intravenous drug users. Hepatitis D can only infect people already infected with hepatitis B.

Hepatitis A, B, and D are preventable with immunization. Medications may be used to treat chronic cases of viral hepatitis. There is no specific treatment for NASH; however, a healthy lifestyle, including physical activity, a healthy diet, and weight loss, is important. Autoimmune hepatitis may be treated with medications to suppress the immune system. A liver transplant may also be an option in certain cases.

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