Hepatitis B Vaccine

Hepatitis B Information

Hepatitis B is a serious liver disease that can cause tiredness, dark urine, yellow eyes or skin (known as jaundice), and an enlarged liver. The virus is caused by Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and is spread primarily through contact with blood or bodily fluid of an infected person. Some of the ways people become infected are through the use of contaminated needles, unprotected sex, and contact with an infected mother during childbirth. Long-term infection of Hepatitis B can result in liver damage, liver cancer, cirrhosis (liver failure) or death.

Hepatitis B Vaccine Information

Hepatitis B vaccine is available as an individual vaccine or in combination with other vaccines, such as hepatitis A vaccine , H. influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine, or diphtheria/pertussis/tetanus and polio vaccines.

Hepatitis B vaccine is given as an injection into the arm or thigh muscle, which is known as an intramuscular (IM) injection.

For more information on Hepatitis A, visit our web page.

Visit our web page for more information on the Hepatitis A/Hepatitis B combination vaccine.

Who Should Receive the Hepatitis B Vaccine?

• Everyone 18 years of age and younger
• People with multiple sex partners
• Anyone whose sex partner is infected with HBV
• Men who have sex with men
• People who inject illegal drugs
• People with chronic liver or kidney disease
• Hemodialysis patients
• Healthcare workers or household contacts who might be exposed to an infected person's blood or bodily fluids
• People who have HIV/AIDS
• Those traveling to countries where Hepatitis B is common
• People who have diabetes

Vaccination Hepatitis B Schedule

• For infants and children younger than 11 years old
  • - Three doses: First dose, followed by a second dose 1-2 months after the first dose, followed by a third dose 6-18 months after the second dose
• For adolescents 11-15 years old (alternative schedule)
  • - Approved with Recombivax HB® vaccine only
  • - Two doses separated by 4 to 6 months
• For adolescents and adults age 11 and older
  • - Three doses: First dose, followed by a second dose 1-2 months after the first dose, followed by a third dose 4-6 months after the second dose
• Combination vaccines that contain the Hepatitis B Vaccine:
  • - Ask your doctor for more information

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

Side Effects

Mild-to-Moderate Problems

• Soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot was given
• Mild to moderate fever

Severe Problems (Rare)

• Serious allergic reactions, with symptoms including:
  • - Difficulty breathing
  • - Wheezing
  • - Hives
  • - Paleness
  • - Fast heartbeat
  • - Dizziness

Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help ease pain and reduce fever.

It is extremely rare for these vaccines to cause serious harm or death. If the person getting the vaccine has a serious reaction, call the doctor or seek immediate medical attention.

Who Should Not Receive the Hepatitis B Vaccine?

• Those with moderate or severe illness (for example, a severe cold, flu or infection of the sinuses or lungs) should not receive the vaccine until symptoms of the illness improve.
• Women who are pregnant or plan to become pregnant should ask their doctor if they should receive the vaccine.
• Those who previously had a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction to the vaccine or any ingredient in the vaccine should not be vaccinated.

Additional Information

Tell your doctor or a healthcare provider if the person getting the vaccine has any severe allergies.

Call the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at 800-232-4636 or visit the CDC website, at  cdc.gov/vaccines, for more vaccine information.

This publication should be used for general educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Be sure to contact your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider for more information about human papillomavirus. Although it is intended to be accurate, neither Walgreen Co., its subsidiaries or affiliates, nor any other party assumes liability for loss or damage due to reliance on this publication.

References

Atkinson W, Hamborsky J, McIntyre L, Wolfe S, eds. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Epidemiology and Prevention of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases. 10th ed. Washington, DC: Public Health Foundation, 2007.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Vaccine Information Statement: Hepatitis B (Hep B) vaccine. March 21, 2006.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/vis/default.htm. Accessed April 2008.

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