This vaccine is important because it protects against the hepatitis B virus, which can cause severe liver disease. Hepatitis B also can cause liver cancer, cirrhosis and death. In the United States, 80,000 people are infected with hepatitis B every year, and 4,000 to 5,000 people die from chronic hepatitis B. Prevention is the key to not contracting hepatitis B, and the most effective preventive method is the hepatitis B vaccine.

Who should receive the hepatitis B vaccine? All infants and anyone who is under the age of 18 and all adults who are at risk of becoming infected with hepatitis B should be given this vaccine. Adults who are at risk include: Health care and public safety workers who may come in contact with infected blood or body fluids People who have had more than one sexual partner in a six-month period Men who have sex with other men People who use illicit drugs People who have household contact with someone with hepatitis B Hemodialysis patients In order for the hepatitis B vaccine to be fully effective, three doses must be taken. The dose schedule for infants whose mothers have not been infected with hepatitis B is as follows: Birth 1 to 4 months of age (must be at least one month after the first dose) 6 to 18 months of age The dose schedule for infants whose mothers have been infected with hepatitis B is as follows: Within 12 hours of birth 1 to 2 months of age 6 months of age The dose schedule for older children, teens and adults is as follows: Anytime 1 to 2 months after the first dose 4 to 6 months after the first dose Adolescents who are between 11 to 15 years of age may need only two doses of the hepatitis B vaccine if a certain vaccine was used. Your health care provider will inform you if the third dose is not needed. People who have had severe allergic reactions to baker’s yeast or a previous dose of the hepatitis B vaccine should not get the hepatitis B vaccine. Review the vaccination schedule for those who start late on a vaccine or are more than one month behind.

When did the hepatitis B vaccine become available?
The hepatitis B vaccine that is administered in the United States has been used since 1986. In 1991, a recommendation was made that all infants receive the hepatitis B vaccine. In 2005, a comprehensive strategy to eliminate hepatitis B in the United States was published that expanded the number of people who should be vaccinated to prevent hepatitis B.

How does someone become infected with Hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B is spread when someone comes into contact with the blood or other bodily fluids of an infected person. This could occur through unprotected sexual activity, sharing of needles for intravenous drug use, birth from an infected mother or being stuck by a needle while working in a health care setting.

Many people who are infected with hepatitis B do not know it and therefore may infect others. Hepatitis B can be passed from person to person through casual contact, such as sharing toothbrushes or any other item that may have saliva on it. Because of this, it is even more imperative to receive the hepatitis B vaccine.

How effective is the hepatitis B vaccine?
The hepatitis B vaccine is 95 percent effective at producing immunity for people who receive the recommended dosage of the vaccine.

Are there any serious side effects of the hepatitis B vaccine?
Serious risks from the hepatitis B are quite rare as compared to the life-threatening risks associated with contracting the disease.

Mild side effects may include:

• injection-site soreness
• mild to moderate fever

A very rare severe side effect of the hepatitis B vaccine is a serious allergic reaction.

How do I learn more about this vaccine?
The best person to ask about this or any vaccine is your child’s pediatrician or your primary health care provider. Your provider can answer your questions and give you more information on the hepatitis B vaccine.

Immunization is the best thing you can do for your child and yourself to protect against
hepatitis B.