It is an important way to protect yourself and your children from HBV infection.
For most people, the hepatitis B vaccine is safe and effective.
About 90% of people who receive three vaccine doses are protected againsthepatitis Bfor over 30 years.
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Hepatitis B spreads when the bodily fluids of an infected person enter another person’s body.
Common side effects include:
Very rarely, the hepatitis B vaccine can cause asevere allergic reaction.
Summary
Hepatitis B is a viral infection that causes inflammation of the liver.
In rare cases, hepatitis B can lead to serious medical problems likeliver cancerorliver failure.
The hepatitis B vaccine offers effective protection against HBV for infants, children, adolescents, and adults.
Adults ages 60 and older who have a high risk of contracting hepatitis B should also receive the vaccine.
People with certain risk factors, such as people on hemodialysis, may need additional doses.
If you are immunocompromised, your healthcare provider may recommend that you receive an additional dose.
Most people experience only mild side effects from the hep B vaccine.
Common side effects include local pain at the injection site, headache, and fever.
Very rarely, more serious adverse reactionssuch as a severe allergic reactionmay occur.
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