Inflammation of the liver (hepatitis) can be caused by toxic drugs, chemical agents, and certain viral infections, including hepatitis B virus (HBV). Although the hepatitis B virus infection often resolves or causes no symptoms, HBV can cause chronic liver disease that leads to progressive liver scarring (cirrhosis) or liver cancer. HBV is transmitted by contact with an infected individual's body fluids, such as during unprotected sexual intercourse, by sharing contaminated needles, or from contact with contaminated blood or blood products. In addition, HBV can be transmitted from an infected pregnant woman to her baby. (See "Patient information: Hepatitis B").
Although most infants are not at high risk for becoming infected with HBV, immunizing during infancy is the most effective way to ensure lifetime protection.
Timing and dose — HBV vaccination is recommended for all children beginning at birth. The series also can be started at a later time. The vaccine requires three doses, with the first usually given a day or two after birth. The second and third doses are given one to two months later and then at 6 to 18 months of age.
Hepatitis B vaccine precautions — HBV vaccination is not recommended for people with a severe allergy to baker's yeast. The vaccine can be given to people with a history of multiple sclerosis, Guillain-Barré syndrome, autoimmune disease, or other chronic disorders, as well as to pregnant women.
HBV vaccine effectiveness — When given according to the recommended schedule, the HBV vaccine protects 98 to 100 percent of individuals from developing chronic hepatitis B infection.
Although most infants are not at high risk for becoming infected with HBV, immunizing during infancy is the most effective way to ensure lifetime protection.
Timing and dose — HBV vaccination is recommended for all children beginning at birth. The series also can be started at a later time. The vaccine requires three doses, with the first usually given a day or two after birth. The second and third doses are given one to two months later and then at 6 to 18 months of age.
Hepatitis B vaccine precautions — HBV vaccination is not recommended for people with a severe allergy to baker's yeast. The vaccine can be given to people with a history of multiple sclerosis, Guillain-Barré syndrome, autoimmune disease, or other chronic disorders, as well as to pregnant women.
HBV vaccine effectiveness — When given according to the recommended schedule, the HBV vaccine protects 98 to 100 percent of individuals from developing chronic hepatitis B infection.
