Hepatitis B Vaccine

Hepatitis B vaccine is now recommended for all adults age 59 and younger if they have not had the series.

The Hepatitis B virus (HBV) can cause short-term (acute) illness that may lead to: Loss of appetiteTiredness Diarrhea and vomiting Jaundice (yellow skin or eyes)Pain in muscles, joints, and stomach. It can also cause long-term (chronic) illness that may lead to:Liver damage (cirrhosis)Liver cancerDeath

About 1.25 million people in the U.S. have chronic HBV infection

The Hepatitis B vaccine can prevent hepatitis B. It is the first anti-cancer vaccine because it can prevent a form of liver cancer.

Who should take the 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.

Anyone 59 years of age or younger who has not yet gotten the vaccine should be vaccinated.
Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for adults 60 years or older at increased risk of exposure to hepatitis B who were not vaccinated previously. Adults 60 years or older who are not at increased risk and were not vaccinated in the past may also be vaccinated.

VIS Info: https://www.immunize.org/vaccines/vis/hepb/