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Hepatitis B - vaccine
Definition:
This immunization protects against Hepatitis B, a serious disease that causes inflammation and damage to the liver and may lead to cirrhosis of the liver, chronic liver disease, and liver cancer. Alternative Names:
Vaccine - hepatitis B; Immunization - hepatitis B Text Continues Below
Information:
VACCINE INFORMATION The hepatitis B vaccine is one of the recommended childhood immunizations. Hepatitis infection is spread through contact with the blood and body fluids of an infected person. It can also be passed from mother to baby during birth. About 80,000 children and adults become infected with hepatitis B each year. Over 10,000 of them need to be hospitalized. In addition, roughly 5,000 deaths in the U.S. per year are attributed to conditions related to chronic infection with the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Infants and children who become infected with HBV may develop lifelong infection. 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 shortly 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.
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