Free Hepatitis Vaccine for Transgender People

Thozhi, a Tamil Nadu-based social organization, has joined hands with a hospital to provide free hepatitis B vaccine for the transgender community.

Thozhi, a Tamil Nadu-based social organization, has joined hands with a hospital to provide free hepatitis vaccine for the transgender community.

Hepatitis B is a life-threatening liver ailment caused by the Hepatitis B virus, which can turn chronic.

Hepatitis B Virus or HBV Screening - Frequently Asked Questions
Tests used for screening hepatitis B are estimation of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), anti-HBc and anti-HBs antibodies.

‘The NGO, 'Thozhi', in a statement said it has been working among the transgender community for several years and is now associating with the SIMS Hospital for providing Hepatitis B vaccine to the community in order to prevent their contracting the Hepatitis B disease that can turn fatal in many cases.’

The drive, which is aimed at providing vaccination to 1,000 transgender people, commenced on May 1 and will continue till May 5.

The statement also said that chronic Hepatitis B leads to liver failure, cancer in the liver, and liver cirrhosis that can last a lifetime.

The SIMS hospital authorities told IANS that they are planning to conduct awareness campaigns about Hepatitis B, especially among the school and college students.

Hepatitis B-Causes-Symptoms-Diagnosis-Treatment-Vaccination-FAQs
Hepatitis B is inflammation of the liver due to infection with the hepatitis B virus.

Hepatitis B Vaccine

While speaking to IANS, Dr. Raju Sivaswamy of SIMS Hospital said, "We are planning to conduct a Hepatitis B awareness campaign among students from schools and colleges."

He added that Hepatitis B can turn into a chronic illness and once contracted will create major problems including liver cirrhosis that can leave a lasting scar on the liver.

Quiz on Hepatitis
Hepatitis is a common liver disease that is responsible for mortality as well as morbidity. Test your knowledge on hepatitis by taking this quiz.

While speaking to IANS, Kalki Subramaniam, a transgender and also an artist and public speaker said, "This is a novel initiative by ’Thozhi’ for the marginalized transgender community. I wholeheartedly appreciate the initiative of the SIMS hospital management along with ’Thozhi’ for the noble endeavour."

Source-IANS

Adenovirus Linked to Hepatitis Cases
In kids in the US state of Alabama, adenovirus may have caused an outbreak of nine severe hepatitis cases, revealed Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).