Hepatitis B is a vaccine-preventable viral disease that involvesinflammation of the liver.
The hepatitis B virus (HBV) usually leads to a short-term infection known asacute hepatitis B.
If their infection is left untreated, some people developchronic hepatitis B. Prasit photo / Getty Images
Who Should Receive the Hepatitis B Vaccine?
Prasit photo / Getty Images
Vaccination is the most reliable way to prevent getting hepatitis B or developing serious related medical complications.
How Common Is Hepatitis B?
About 296 million people around the world have hepatitis B.
Hepatitis B spreadsthrough direct contact with bodily fluids, such as semen or blood.
Examples include:
While anyone can get hepatitis B, certain people are more at risk.
Heplisav-B is available only for adults ages 18 and older.
The yeast then produces a protein seen on the virus.
When you receive the vaccine, your immune system learns to react to this protein and fight the virus.
The hepatitis B vaccine schedule for adults varies based on the persons condition and the selected vaccine.
If you missed a dose of a different HepB vaccine, it can also be replaced by Heplisav-B.
Adults on hemodialysis should get a four-dose series of Engerix-B across six months.
These can be delivered in individual 2-milliliter doses or two 1-milliliter doses.
After the first dose, they are given in one month, two months, and six months.
The Twinrix four-dose series is considered an accelerated schedule and is recommended for certain travelers.
Immunosuppressants may make certain vaccines less effective.
Common side effects include:
Severe allergic reactions to the hepatitis B vaccine are very rare.
The hepatitis B vaccine is safe and effective for most people.
Engerix-B, Recombivax HB, and Heplisav-B have all been approved by the FDA to prevent hepatitis B.
Adults who havent already been vaccinated against hepatitis B should also receive the vaccine.
Heplisav-B is delivered in a two-dose series in one month.
It is available to adults 18 and over.
Engerix-B and Recombivax HB are administered to adults in a three-dose series over six months.
A Word From Verywell
Hepatitis B can sometimes lead to serious medical consequences, including liver failure.
Frequently Asked Questions
The hepatitis B vaccine is typically delivered in a two-dose or three-dose series.
Certain immunocompromised people may be given an additional HepB shot as well.
The hepatitis B vaccine provides long-lasting protection against both hepatitis B and related complications.
Research indicates that the effects of the HepB vaccinelast for at least 30 yearsfor most healthy people.
The results may not last as long for immunocompromised people and people with certain conditions.
In most cases, the hepatitis B vaccine offers long-lasting immunity to the virus that causes hepatitis B.
However, it is still possible to get hepatitis B after getting vaccinated.
Talk to your healthcare provider if you are concerned that you may be at risk.
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