VIS—Hepatitis B Vaccine

2. Hepatitis B vaccine

Hepatitis B vaccine is usually given as 2, 3, or 4 shots.

Infants should get their first dose of hepatitis B vaccine at birth and will usually complete the series at 6–18 months of age. The birth dose of hepatitis B vaccine is an important part of preventing long-term illness in infants and the spread of hepatitis B in the United States.

Children and adolescents younger than 19 years of age who have not yet gotten the vaccine should be vaccinated.

Adults who were not vaccinated previously and want to be protected against hepatitis B can also get the vaccine.

Hepatitis B vaccine is also recommended for the following people:

• People whose sex partners have hepatitis B

• Sexually active persons who are not in a long-term, monogamous relationship

• People seeking evaluation or treatment for a sexually transmitted disease

• Victims of sexual assault or abuse

• Men who have sexual contact with other men

• People who share needles, syringes, or other drug-injection equipment

• People who live with someone infected with the hepatitis B virus

• Health care and public safety workers at risk for exposure to blood or body fluids

• Residents and staff of facilities for developmentally disabled people

• People living in jail or prison

• Travelers to regions with increased rates of hepatitis B

• People with chronic liver disease, kidney disease on dialysis, HIV infection, infection with hepatitis C, or diabetes

Hepatitis B vaccine may be given as a stand-alone vaccine, or as part of a combination vaccine (a type of vaccine that combines more than one vaccine together into one shot).

Hepatitis B vaccine may be given at the same time as other vaccines.

3. Talk with your health care provider

Tell your vaccination provider if the person getting the vaccine:

• Has had an allergic reaction after a previous dose of hepatitis B vaccine, or has any severe, life-threatening allergies

In some cases, your health care provider may decide to postpone hepatitis B vaccination until a future visit.

Pregnant or breastfeeding people should be vaccinated if they are at risk for getting hepatitis B. Pregnancy or breastfeeding are not reasons to avoid hepatitis B vaccination.

People with minor illnesses, such as a cold, may be vaccinated. People who are moderately or severely ill should usually wait until they recover before getting hepatitis B vaccine.

Your health care provider can give you more information.

4. Risks of a vaccine reaction

• Soreness where the shot is given or fever can happen after hepatitis B vaccination.

People sometimes faint after medical procedures, including vaccination. Tell your provider if you feel dizzy or have vision changes or ringing in the ears.

As with any medicine, there is a very remote chance of a vaccine causing a severe allergic reaction, other serious injury, or death.

5. What if there is a serious problem?

An allergic reaction could occur after the vaccinated person leaves the clinic. If you see signs of a severe allergic reaction (hives, swelling of the face and throat, difficulty breathing, a fast heartbeat, dizziness, or weakness), call 9-1-1 and get the person to the nearest hospital.

For other signs that concern you, call your health care provider.

Adverse reactions should be reported to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). Your health care provider will usually file this report, or you can do it yourself. Visit the VAERS website at www.vaers.hhs.gov or call 1-800-822-7967. VAERS is only for reporting reactions, and VAERS staff members do not give medical advice.

6. The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program

The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) is a federal program that was created to compensate people who may have been injured by certain vaccines. Claims regarding alleged injury or death due to vaccination have a time limit for filing, which may be as short as two years. Visit the VICP website at www.hrsa.gov/vaccinecompensation or call 1-800-338-2382 to learn about the program and about filing a claim.

7. How can I learn more?

• Ask your health care provider.

• Call your local or state health department.

• Visit the website of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for vaccine package inserts and additional information at https://www.fda.gov/vaccines-blood-biologics/vaccines .

• Contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

  • Call 1-800-232-4636 (1-800-CDC-INFO) or

  • Visit CDC's website at www.cdc.gov/vaccines .