Hepatitis B Vaccine
(HepB/HBV Vaccine)
Protects against:
- Hepatitis B Virus (HBV): Acute and chronic liver infection, liver inflammation, jaundice, liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma), cirrhosis, liver failure, death
Who should get it:
- All newborns – ideally within 24 hours of birth
- All infants and children as part of routine immunization
- Adolescents and adults not previously vaccinated
- Healthcare workers and those at high risk of exposure
- People with chronic liver disease or diabetes
- Sexual partners of infected individuals
- Travelers to areas with high HBV prevalence
Schedule:
For infants (birth dose + primary series):
- Birth dose: Within 24 hours of birth (critical for prevention)
- Dose 1: 6 weeks (often given as part of pentavalent/hexavalent vaccine)
- Dose 2: 10 weeks
- Dose 3: 14 weeks
For older children and adults (catch-up schedule):
- 3-dose series: 0, 1 month, and 6 months
- Alternative accelerated schedule available for high-risk situations
Why vaccinate:
- Birth dose is crucial – provides immediate protection and prevents mother-to-child transmission
- Prevents chronic infection that can silently damage the liver for decades
- Infants infected at birth have 90% risk of chronic infection without vaccination
- Protects against liver cancer – one of the leading cancer-related deaths worldwide
- Provides long-lasting, often lifelong immunity
- Safe and highly effective (>95% protection rate)
- No cure exists for chronic hepatitis B – prevention is essential
- Reduces risk of transmission in families and communities
- Cost-effective compared to treating chronic infection and complications
- Helps eliminate hepatitis B as a public health threat
Important note:
The birth dose within 24 hours is especially critical for babies born to mothers with hepatitis B infection or unknown status. This dose significantly reduces the risk of chronic infection. Completing all doses ensures maximum long-term protection. Hepatitis B vaccine is one of the safest vaccines available with minimal side effects.