Hepatitis B

Brand name:…………………….

Hepatitis B is a serious disease caused by a virus that attacks the liver. The virus, which is called hepatitis B virus (HBV), can cause lifelong infection, cirrhosis (scarring) of the liver, liver cancer, liver failure, and death.

Hepatitis B vaccine is available for all age groups. The hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for all infants, all children or adolescents younger than 19 years of age who have not been vaccinated, all adults age 19 through 59 years, and adults age 60 years or older with risk factors for hepatitis B infection. Adults who are 60 years or older without known risk factors for hepatitis B may also receive hepatitis B vaccine.

Vaccination

Can hepatitis B be prevented?

Yes. The best way to prevent hepatitis B is by getting vaccinated. The hepatitis B vaccine is safe and effective. You need to get all shots in the series to be fully protected.

Who should get vaccinated against hepatitis B?

• All infants
• All children and adolescents younger than 19 years of age who have not been vaccinated
• Adults aged 19 through 59 years
• Adults aged 60 years and older with risk factors for hepatitis B
• Adults aged 60 years and older without known risk factors for hepatitis B

Is the hepatitis B vaccine safe?
Yes. The hepatitis B vaccine is safe. As with any medicine, there are very small risks that a serious problem could occur, but soreness at the injection site is the most common side effect.

Can I get hepatitis B from being vaccinated?
No. The hepatitis B vaccine does not contain any live virus and can’t cause hepatitis B.

Is it harmful to have an extra dose of hepatitis B vaccine or to repeat the entire hepatitis B vaccine series?
No, getting an extra dose of the hepatitis B vaccine is not harmful.

What should I do if I started but did not complete the full hepatitis B vaccine series?
If you start the hepatitis B vaccine series, but then miss a dose the doctor should give the next dose as soon as possible. The first dose(s) does not need to be repeated.

Is the hepatitis B vaccine recommended before international travel?
Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all infants, children, and adults through age 59 years regardless of travel. If you are planning international travel, make sure you are up to date on your routine vaccines.

Who should not receive the hepatitis B vaccine?
Anyone who has had a serious allergic reaction to a prior dose of hepatitis B vaccine, any part of the vaccine, or yeast should not get the hepatitis B vaccine.

What is a booster dose, and do I need one?
A “booster” dose is an extra dose of vaccine that can increase or extend the effectiveness of the vaccine. Most healthy people do not need a booster dose, but your doctor can do a blood test to check your immunity and decide if a booster dose of vaccine is necessary.

Is there a vaccine that will protect me from both hepatitis A and hepatitis B?
Yes, there is a combination vaccine approved for adults that protects people from both hepatitis A and hepatitis B. The combined hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccine is usually given as three separate doses over a 6-month period.

Can I get the hepatitis B vaccine at the same time as other vaccines?
Yes. Getting two different vaccines at the same time is not harmful.

Can hepatitis B vaccine be given during pregnancy or breast feeding?
Yes. The hepatitis B vaccine does not contain live virus, so neither pregnancy nor breastfeeding should be considered a reason not to get vaccinated.

Side effects
Most common side effects at the injection site: mild soreness, induration, and erythema.
Uncommon side effects: fatigue, low-grade fever, rash. Pruritus, urticarial, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, dizziness.
Extremely rare side effects: Anaphylaxis, serum sickness, angioedema, erythema, arthritis, meningitis, encephalitis.
Primera Hospital has walk-in appointments for all kinds of vaccines available in our hospital including Hepatitis B. We are open on all weekdays.