What is hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B is a serious, sometimes fatal, liver disease that is caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV).
Why should someone get the hepatitis B vaccine?
The hepatitis B vaccine can prevent hepatitis B disease.
Hepatitis B is spread when blood, semen, or other body fluids infected with the hepatitis B virus enters the body of a person who is not infected.
Most people who are vaccinated with hepatitis B vaccine are immune for life.
Who SHOULD get the hepatitis B vaccine?
All infants, children, and adolescents younger than 19 years of age.
People who are at increased risk of hepatitis B due to travel, work exposure to blood, high-risk sexual behavior, injectable drug use, living situations, and certain medical conditions.
Anyone who wants to be protected from hepatitis B.
Who should NOT get the hepatitis B vaccine?
Anyone who has had a serious allergic reaction to a previous dose of hepatitis B vaccine, any part of the vaccine, or yeast.
Who should talk with their healthcare provider before getting the hepatitis B vaccine?
Anyone who has had an allergic reaction after a previous dose of hepatitis B vaccine, or has any severe, life-threatening allergies.
For up-to-date information about the hepatitis B vaccine, go to the CDC’s website. You can also talk with your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about the hepatitis B vaccine and your personal health. See more information about the hepatitis B vaccine.