Health Encyclopedia

Hepatitis B vaccine

Definition

The hepatitis B vaccine protects against hepatitis B, a serious disease that damages the liver.

Alternative Names

Vaccine - hepatitis B; Immunization - hepatitis B

Information

VACCINE INFORMATION

The hepatitis B virus spreads through contact with the blood and body fluids of an infected person. Hepatitis B can be passed from mother to baby during birth.

The hepatitis B vaccine is one of the recommended childhood immunizations.

IMMUNIZATION SCHEDULE

Hepatitis B vaccine is given as a series of three injections (shots). The first shot is given to infants shortly after birth. All 3 doses are necessary for the most effective and longest lasting immunity.

If the mother of the infant carries the hepatitis B virus (HBV) in her blood, the infant needs to receive the first shot shortly after birth. The next two shots are given at 2 months of age and then at 6 months of age.

If the mother of the infant does not have signs of the HBV in her blood, the infant may receive the shot anytime before leaving the hospital, or the vaccine may be delayed until the 4 or 8 week visit to the primary care provider. If given shortly after birth, the second shot is given at 1 to 2 months and the third at 6 months.

For infants who do not receive the first shot until 4 to 8 weeks, the second shot is given at 4 months and the third at 6 to 16 months. In either instance, the second and third shots are given along with other routine childhood immunizations.

Adolescents who have not been vaccinated should begin the hepatitis B vaccine series at the earliest possible date.

SIDE EFFECTS

Most infants who receive the HBV vaccine have no side effects. Others may have minor problems, such as soreness and redness at the injection site or a mild fever. Serious problems are rare and are mainly due to allergic reactions to a component of the vaccine.

CONSIDERATIONS

If the child is ill with something more serious than a cold, the hepatitis B vaccine may be delayed.

If the child has a severe allergic reaction to baker's yeast, they should not receive the hepatitis B vaccine.

If severe allergic reaction occurs after receiving the hepatitis B vaccine, no further HBV vaccines should be given to the child.

CALL YOUR PRIMARY HEALTH CARE PROVIDER IF:

You are not sure if your child should receive the hepatitis B vaccine
Moderate or serious side effects appear after receiving the hepatitis B vaccine
You have any questions or concerns related to the hepatitis B vaccine

Review Date:10/15/2007
Reviewed By:Deirdre O’Reilly, MD, MPH, Neonatologist, Division of Newborn Medicine, Children’s Hospital Boston and Instructor in Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts. Review Provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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