Laura Dorwart is a health journalist with expertise in disability rights, mental health, and pregnancy-related conditions. She has written for publications like SELF, The New York Times, VICE, and The Guardian.
Brain H. Wetchler, DO, is an internal medicine physician working in private practice.
Hepatitis B (sometimes referred to as hep B) is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). It typically causes symptoms like stomach pain, dark urine, fatigue, fever, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), diarrhea, vomiting, and clay-colored stools. In rare cases, hepatitis B can lead to life-threatening complications like liver failure, liver cancer, or cirrhosis (liver scarring).
The hepatitis B vaccine is a shot, typically injected into the arm, that protects against hepatitis B in babies, children, and adults. It is an important way to protect yourself and your children from HBV infection.
Hepatitis B vaccine is universally recommended for infants, children, and adults up to age 60 without regard for risk factors. It is recommended for those 60 and over who have risk factors and is optional for any in that age group who want protection.
This article will discuss the recommended hepatitis vaccine schedule for children and adults, including doses, timing, side effects, and who should get the vaccine.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that babies and children receive three 0.5 milliliter doses of either Engerix-B or Recombivax HB, starting just after birth.
The current recommended hepatitis B vaccine schedule for children and infants is as follows:
If your child is undergoing hemodialysis, your healthcare provider may recommend that they receive additional doses of the HBV vaccine.
The following vaccines are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to prevent hepatitis B as well as other conditions:
One U.S. study following trends in hepatitis B infection over a three-year period found that 4.3% of the population had a past or present HBV infection.
Estimates suggest that about 240 million people around the world have chronic hepatitis B. Up to 1.89 million people in the United States have a chronic HBV infection.
The following vaccines are currently approved by the FDA for the prevention of hepatitis B:
Adults typically receive the hepatitis B vaccine in a two- or three-dose series. Engerix-B is also offered as a four-dose series for adults who are undergoing hemodialysis (kidney dialysis).
The current recommended hepatitis B vaccine schedule for adults who have not previously completed vaccination is as follows:
For most people, the hepatitis B vaccine is safe and effective. About 90% of people who receive three vaccine doses are protected against hepatitis B for over 30 years.
The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends the hepatitis B vaccine for the following groups:
Adults ages 60 and over who do not have any hepatitis B risk factors can receive the hepatitis B vaccine, but it is optional.
Hepatitis B spreads when the bodily fluids of an infected person enter another person's body. Sexual contact is one way it can be spread. A person with HBV can spread it to their baby during childbirth. Other ways in which HBV may be transmitted include:
Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended regardless of whether a person has any risk factors. If you have an increased risk of contracting HBV, it's especially important to protect yourself with the hepatitis B vaccine. Some of the risk factors for hepatitis B include:
Talk to your healthcare provider before getting the hepatitis B vaccine if:
In addition, pregnant people should not receive the Heplisav-B or PreHevbrio vaccines until more safety information is available.
Most side effects from the hepatitis B vaccine are mild and resolve on their own within a few days. Common side effects include:
Very rarely, the hepatitis B vaccine can cause a severe allergic reaction. Symptoms may include:
Seek immediate medical help if you have any signs of an allergic reaction after receiving the hepatitis B vaccine.
Hepatitis B is a viral infection that causes inflammation of the liver. In rare cases, hepatitis B can lead to serious medical problems like liver cancer or liver failure. The hepatitis B vaccine offers effective protection against HBV for infants, children, adolescents, and adults.
Infants should receive one dose of the vaccine just after birth, followed by a second dose at 1–2 months and the third dose at 6–18 months.
Adults ages 19–59 should receive the hepatitis B vaccine in a two- or three-dose series, typically over the span of six months. Adults ages 60 and older who have a high risk of contracting hepatitis B should also receive the vaccine.
The hepatitis B vaccine is an effective, safe way to protect yourself and others from HBV infection and related complications. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have any concerns about potential side effects or complications from the Hep B vaccine.
Babies should receive one dose of the hep B vaccine just after birth, as well as second and third doses at 1–2 and 6–18 months. Adults under 60 who did not previously complete vaccination should typically get a two- or three-dose series over the course of six months. People with certain risk factors, such as people on hemodialysis, may need additional doses.
Most healthy adults who are not high-risk for hepatitis B and have previously been vaccinated don’t need a booster dose. If you are immunocompromised, your healthcare provider may recommend that you receive an additional dose. People who have at least one hepatitis B risk factor should also talk to their healthcare provider about getting a booster shot.
Most people experience only mild side effects from the hep B vaccine. Common side effects include local pain at the injection site, headache, and fever. Very rarely, more serious adverse reactions—such as a severe allergic reaction—may occur.
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