Hepatitis B is a viral infection of the liver. It can resolve without treatment, or it may worsen and cause cirrhosis or liver cancer. A vaccine against the virus that causes hepatitis B has been available since the 1980s.
For many people, hepatitis B is a short-term condition and causes no permanent damage. However, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),
The hepatitis B virus (HBV) causes hepatitis B, and there has been a vaccine against HBV available in the United States since the
There are different vaccine series available depending on the age group. For example, infants under 1 year old can receive the vaccine in three or four doses, and those over 1 year can receive a two- or three-dose vaccine series. A person should speak with a doctor to help decide which vaccine series is suitable for them.
This article will discuss the different hepatitis B vaccine schedules. It will also look at who should or should not get the vaccine.
According to the Hepatitis B Foundation, an infant may receive the vaccine in three or four doses:
- Three-dose vaccine series: Medical professionals recommend that all medically stable infants in the U.S. who have a birth weight of at least 2,000 grams receive the first dose of their hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours of birth.
- Four-dose vaccine series: Combination vaccines, such as the vaccines that feature in this series, protect against various diseases. An infant often receives the first dose of the combination vaccine at 6 weeks of age. This means an infant is not protected against hepatitis B until they are 6 weeks old. Therefore, an infant should receive a dose of the hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours of birth.
The recommended HBV vaccine schedules for children under 1 year old are outlined in the table below:
| Vaccine series | Brand name | Dose 1 | Dose 2 | Dose 3 | Dose 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3-dose vaccine series | Engerix-B or Recombivax HB | at birth | 4 weeks after birth | 6 months after the first dose | |
| 4-dose combination vaccine series | Vaxelis or Pediarix | at birth (hepatitis B vaccine) | at 6 weeks old (combination vaccine) | at 14 weeks old (combination vaccine) | at 6 months old (combination vaccine) |
The three-dose series is suitable for children and adults. The two-dose series is suitable for adults who are over 18 years old.
The recommended HBV vaccine schedule for people over 1 year old is outlined in the table below:
| Vaccine series | Brand name | Dose 1 | Dose 2 | Dose 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3-dose vaccine series | Engerix-B, Recombivax, or Tinrix | day 1 | 1 month after the first dose | 6 months after the first dose |
| 2-dose vaccine series | Hepislav-B | day 1 | 1 month after the first dose |
In certain circumstances, a person may receive a vaccine series over a shorter period than that of the standard schedule.
A person may have an accelerated vaccine series if they are traveling to an area that puts them at high risk of exposure or are an emergency responder in a disaster area.
For adults and children
This vaccine schedule involves three doses within 2 months, followed by a booster dose at 1 year.
The initial accelerated doses provide immediate protection from HBV, and the booster dose helps provide long-term protection.
Below is the accelerated vaccination schedule approved for both adults and children:
| Vaccine series | Brand name | Dose 1 | Dose 2 | Dose 3 | Dose 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4-dose vaccine series | Energix-B | day 1 | 1 month later | 2 months after the first dose | 1 year after the first dose |
For adults only
The four-dose combination vaccine schedule uses a combination vaccine that protects against hepatitis A and B.
This vaccine series includes three doses that a person receives within 1 month. A person then receives a booster dose after 1 year. This schedule is a common choice for people traveling on short notice outside the U.S.
The two-dose vaccine schedule includes two doses that a person receives 1 month apart.
Below are the two accelerated vaccination schedules for adults over the age of 18 years:
| Vaccine series | Brand name | Dose 1 | Dose 2 | Dose 3 | Dose 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4-dose combination series | Twinrix | day 1 | 1 week later | 1 month after the first dose | 1 year after the first dose |
| 2-dose vaccine series | Hepislav-B | day 1 | 1 month later |
A note about sex and gender
Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Click here to learn more.
It is important that infants who are born to females with hepatitis B receive accurate doses of the hepatitis B vaccine. They may also be required to receive hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) if it is available.
The
The table below outlines the two recommended hepatitis B vaccine schedules for infants born to those who have hepatitis B:
| Vaccine series | Brand name | Dose 1 | Dose 2 | Dose 3 | Dose 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3-dose vaccine series | Engerix-B and Recombivax HB | at birth (hepatitis B vaccine and HBIG) | 1 month later | 6 months after first dose | |
| 4-dose combination vaccine series | Vaxelis or Pediarix | at birth (hepatitis B vaccine and HBIG) | at 6 weeks of age (combination vaccine) | at 14 weeks of age (combination vaccine) | at 24 weeks of age (combination vaccine) |
Many nations use a combination vaccine that protects against several diseases, including hepatitis B.
The table below outlines the three recommended international hepatitis B vaccine schedules:
| Vaccine series | Dose 1 | Dose 2 | Dose 3 | Dose 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3-dose vaccine series for those under 1 year old | at birth | 1 month after the first dose | 6 months after the first dose | |
| 3-dose vaccine series for those over 1 year old and adults | day 1 | 1 month after the first dose | 6 months after the first dose | |
| 4-dose combination vaccine for those under 1 year old | at birth (hepatitis B vaccine) | at 6 weeks of age (combination vaccine) | at 14 weeks of age (combination vaccine) | at 6 months of age (combination vaccine) |
Medical professionals recommend that all infants receive the hepatitis B vaccine.
According to the
- people with chronic liver disease
- people with HIV
- sexually active people who are not in mutually monogamous relationships
- people in a sexual relationship with someone who has hepatitis B
- people who inject drugs
- people who are at an increased risk due to exposure in their job
- people who travel to countries with high levels of hepatitis B
The hepatitis B vaccine is safe for most people. There are some common minor side effects a person may experience after receiving the vaccine.
These include:
A person should speak to a medical professional before getting the vaccine
- have had an allergic reaction to a previous dose of the vaccine or any component of a hepatitis B vaccine
- have had an allergic reaction to yeast
- have had an allergic reaction to neomycin (Twinrix)
If a person has a minor illness, such as a cold, they can still receive the vaccine. If someone is moderately or severely ill, they should wait until they recover before getting the hepatitis B vaccine.
Hepatitis B is a viral infection of the liver. It spreads via the transfer of bodily fluids from a person with an HBV infection to someone without the infection.
There are a number of vaccines available for hepatitis B. A person receives the hepatitis B vaccine through a series of shots. There are two-, three-, and four-dose vaccine schedules that make use of these vaccines.
A person may also get a combination vaccine that protects against hepatitis B and various other diseases.