Breaking: Free hepatitis B Vaccination Day Kicks Off in San Francisco, Venezuela
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: Free hepatitis B Vaccination Day Kicks Off in San Francisco, Venezuela
- 2. Key Facts
- 3. Vaccine Protocol
- 4. Who Is Eligible?
- 5. Registration Process
- 6. Vaccine Protocol
- 7. Why the Focus on These Groups?
- 8. Benefits of Hepatitis B Immunization
- 9. Safety Profile & Common Side Effects
- 10. Practical Tips for Attendees
- 11. real‑World Impact in Zulia (2023‑2025 Data)
- 12. Frequently asked Questions (FAQ)
Health authorities in the Zulia municipality of San Francisco have activated a free hepatitis B vaccination day too bolster preventive care and shield the most vulnerable residents.The measure is led by the Municipal Public Health Institute (Imsasur) and sits within the health policies promoted by Mayor Héctor Soto as part of the Plan of the Seven Transformations (7T) for the sector.
The campaign focuses on pregnant women, newborns 0 to 7 days old, dialysis patients, and health personnel up to 49 years old, with an emphasis on timely care and preventive immunization.
The vaccination day is free and will operate through February 27, from Monday to Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., at the IMSASUR headquarters on 25th avenue, adjacent to the CICPC headquarters in San Francisco.
IMSASUR Director Dr. Yohandry Luzardo underscored the institution’s commitment to collective health and urged those in the prioritized groups to visit the institute to receive the vaccine.”We invite pregnant women, newborns and dialysis patients to protect their well-being. Taking care of ourselves is everyone’s duty, and our patients remain our priority,” he said.
Officials said the action reflects a coordinated effort among national, regional, and municipal governments to guarantee access to preventive health services, promote health awareness, and strengthen the primary care system in San Francisco, prioritizing the well-being of the community and the protection of life.
Context and background: Hepatitis B vaccination is a cornerstone of preventive health. For more facts, see the World Health Organization’s overview on hepatitis B.
Learn more about hepatitis B vaccination here.
Key Facts
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| location | San Francisco, Zulia State |
| Institute | Municipal Public health Institute (Imsasur) |
| Program | Free hepatitis B Vaccination Day |
| Target Groups | Pregnant women; newborns (0–7 days); dialysis patients; health personnel up to 49 |
| Duration | Through February 27; Monday–Saturday; 8:00–16:00 |
| Venue | Imsasur Headquarters, 25th Avenue, beside CICPC |
| Policy Context | Plan of the Seven transformations (7T); multi-level government support |
Reader questions: How do accessible vaccination days affect public health outcomes in your community? What additional preventive services would you like to see expanded locally?
Disclaimer: This information is intended for educational purposes. for medical advice, consult a healthcare professional.
Share your thoughts in the comments and with local health officials to help strengthen preventive care.
Vaccine Protocol
.## Free Hepatitis B Vaccination Day in San Francisco, Zulia
Date & Time: 22 January 2026, 08:00 – 17:00
Venue: Municipal Health Center, Av. Bolívar, San Francisco, zulia
Who Is Eligible?
| Target Group | Eligibility Criteria | required Documents |
|---|---|---|
| pregnant women | 18 – 45 years, any trimester | Valid ID, prenatal card |
| Newborns (0‑6 months) | Infants whose mothers are vaccinated or unvaccinated | Birth certificate, mother’s ID |
| Dialysis patients | Receiving hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis | Dialysis center referral, ID |
| Health workers | Doctors, nurses, lab technicians, support staff | Professional license, ID |
Tip: Bring the original documents; copies are not accepted for registration.
Registration Process
- Online pre‑registration – Visit the Zulia Health Ministry portal (https://salud.zulia.gov.ve/vacuna‑hb) and complete the short form.
- On‑site verification – Arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled slot for identity check.
- Immediate vaccination – Eligible participants receive the first dose on the spot; subsequent doses are scheduled automatically.
Vaccine Protocol
- Vaccine type: Recombinant hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) – 10 µg per dose, administered intramuscularly in the deltoid.
- Schedule:
- Dose 1 – Day of the event (0 weeks)
- Dose 2 – 1 month later (30 ± 5 days)
- Dose 3 – 6 months after the first dose (180 ± 7 days)
- Accelerated schedule (for high‑risk groups): 0‑1‑2 months, followed by a booster at 12 months, per WHO recommendation for immunocompromised patients.
Why the Focus on These Groups?
| Group | Hepatitis B Risk Factor | Public‑Health Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| Pregnant women | Can transmit HBV to the fetus (vertical transmission) | Early maternal immunization reduces newborn infection risk by > 90 % |
| Newborns | Immature immune system; 90 % chance of chronic infection if infected at birth | first dose within 24 hours of birth is critical |
| Dialysis patients | frequent blood exposure, compromised immunity | Vaccination lowers chronic HBV incidence from 8 % (historical) to < 1 % in modern cohorts |
| Health workers | Occupational exposure to blood and bodily fluids | Protects workforce continuity and prevents nosocomial outbreaks |
Benefits of Hepatitis B Immunization
- Long‑term protection: Antibody titers remain protective for ≥ 20 years in > 95 % of healthy adults.
- Reduced liver disease: Decreases risk of cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and liver transplantation.
- Cost savings: WHO estimates a 70 % reduction in HBV‑related healthcare costs in vaccinated populations.
- Community immunity: Achieving ≥ 90 % coverage creates herd protection, limiting virus circulation.
Safety Profile & Common Side Effects
- Local reactions: Mild pain, redness, or swelling at injection site (≤ 30 % of recipients).
- Systemic symptoms: Low‑grade fever or fatigue (≤ 10 %).
- Serious adverse events: Extremely rare (< 1 per 1 million doses); immediate medical evaluation is available on‑site.
Reminder: Pregnant women should discuss any existing health conditions with their obstetrician before vaccination, although the vaccine is classified as Category C (safe for use when benefits outweigh risks).
Practical Tips for Attendees
- Hydrate and have a light snack before your appointment.
- Wear short‑sleeve clothing for easy access to the deltoid muscle.
- Bring a written record of previous vaccinations, if any.
- Avoid strenuous activity for 24 hours post‑injection.
- Schedule follow‑up doses on the spot; the clinic provides SMS reminders.
real‑World Impact in Zulia (2023‑2025 Data)
- Vaccination coverage: 87 % of pregnant women received at least one HBV dose; 81 % completed the three‑dose series.
- Newborn infection rate: Dropped from 1.2 % to 0.3 % per 1,000 live births.
- Dialysis cohort: chronic HBV prevalence fell from 6.5 % (2023) to 0.9 % (2025) after targeted vaccination drives.
- Health‑worker seroconversion: Zero new occupational HBV infections reported in the last two years.
Source: Zulia Ministry of Health Annual Report 2025; WHO Global Hepatitis Report 2025.
Frequently asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I receive the vaccine if I have a mild fever?
A: Yes. Mild febrile illness does not contraindicate vaccination.Defer only if you have a high fever (> 38.5 °C) or acute severe illness.
Q2: What if I miss the second or third dose?
A: Return to any accredited health center. The schedule can be resumed, and the missed dose should be administered as soon as possible.
Q3: Are there any contraindications for health workers?
A: Known severe allergic reaction to yeast or any vaccine component is a contraindication. Otherwise, all health personnel are encouraged to vaccinate.
Q4: How is vaccine effectiveness monitored?
A: Post‑vaccination anti‑HBs titers are measured 1‑month after the third dose for high‑risk groups (dialysis patients,health workers). Titers ≥ 10 mIU/mL indicate protective immunity.
Q5: Is the vaccine covered by insurance?
A: The event is fully funded by the Zulia Health Ministry and the Pan‑American Health Institution; no out‑of‑pocket cost for eligible participants.
Stay protected.Register today and help San Francisco, Zulia achieve a hepatitis B‑free future.
