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Ency. home > SpecialTopic > V > Vaccine - Hepatitis B

Vaccine - Hepatitis B    See images

Overview

Alternative names:

Hepatitis B - vaccine

Information

VACCINE INFORMATION
The Hepatitis B vaccine is one of the recommended childhood immunizations. It is also the first anti-cancer vaccine since Hepatitis B is linked to some forms of liver cancer.

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 HBV in her blood, the infant needs to receive the first shot within 12 hours after birth. Hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) is also given to the baby at that time. 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 evidence of HBV in her blood, the infant may receive the shot anytime prior to leaving the hospital or it may be deferred 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 18 months. In either instance, the 2nd and 3rd shots are given in conjunction with other routine childhood immunizations.

BENEFITS
Babies who receive the HBV immunization series will be protected from contracting Hepatitis B infection not only throughout childhood, when the risk of lifelong infection and carrier states is the highest, but also through their adult years. Eliminating the risk of HBV infections also decreases the risks for cirrhosis of the liver, chronic liver disease, and liver cancer. As more people become immune to HBV infection through immunization of infants, the goal of eliminating HBV infection in the United States may be realized.

RISKS
Most infants who receive the HBV vaccine experience no associated problems. Others may have minor problems, such as soreness and redness at the injection site or a mild fever. Serious problems associated with receiving the immunization are rare and are mainly related to allergic reactions to a component of the vaccine.

DELAY OR DO NOT GIVE (CONTRAINDICATIONS)

  • If the child is ill with something more serious than a cold, immunizations should be delayed.
  • If the child has a severe allergic reaction to baker's yeast then they should not have the vaccine.
  • If severe allergic reaction or anaphylaxis occurs after an injection of the HBV vaccine, no further HBV immunization should be given to the child.
  • There are no specific contraindications to the HBV vaccine for infants or young children.
POSTIMMUNIZATION SYMPTOMS AND CARE
Watch for and be familiar with how to treat minor side effects such as injection site tenderness or low grade fever.

CALL THE PRIMARY HEALTH CARE PROVIDER IF:
  • uncertain of your own HBV carrier state.
  • uncertain if the Hepatitis B vaccine should be delayed, withheld, or given (according to what schedule) to a specific infant.
  • moderate or serious adverse effects appear after a HBV injection has been given.
  • there are any questions or concerns related to the Hepatitis B immunization.

Ency. home > SpecialTopic > V > Vaccine - Hepatitis B

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