Hepatitis B adult vaccine

Hepatitis B is a liver disease that spreads through blood or bodily fluids, sexual contact, sharing IV drug needles with an infected person, or during childbirth if the mother is infected. Hepatitis causes liver inflammation, vomiting, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes). Hepatitis can lead to liver cancer, cirrhosis, or death.

The hepatitis B vaccine is used to help prevent this disease in adults.

This vaccine helps your body develop immunity to the disease, but it will not treat an active infection you already have.

Vaccination with the hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for all adults who are at risk of getting hepatitis B. Like any vaccine, the hepatitis B vaccine may not provide protection from disease in every person.

This vaccine is given as an injection into a muscle. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

The hepatitis B vaccine is given in a series of 2 to 3 shots usually over 6 months.

Your doctor or vaccination provider will decide if you need an extra dose based on your condition.

Your vaccination schedule may be different from these guidelines. Follow your doctor's instructions or the schedule recommended by your local health department.

Make sure to receive all recommended doses of this vaccine, or you may not be fully protected against disease.

This vaccine can affect the results of certain medical tests. Inform any doctor who treats you if you recently received the hepatitis B vaccine.

Becoming infected with hepatitis B is much more dangerous to your health than receiving this vaccine.

You should not receive another dose of this vaccine if you had a life threatening allergic reaction after the first shot.

Tell your doctor if you use other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.

Hepatitis B vaccine will not protect against infection with hepatitis A, C, and E, or other viruses that affect the liver. It may also not protect against hepatitis B if you are already infected with the virus, even if you do not yet show symptoms.

You should not receive this vaccine if you have ever had a life-threatening allergic reaction to any vaccine containing hepatitis B.

Tell your doctor or vaccination provider if you have or have ever had:

• a fever;
• an allergy to yeast or latex;
• a bleeding or blood clotting disorder such as hemophilia;
• a weak immune system caused by disease or by using certain medicine;
• received any other hepatitis vaccine or are scheduled to receive a vaccine; or
• ever fainted when or after receiving an injection; or
• kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis).

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of this vaccine on the baby.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

The vaccination provider may want to observe you for a short time after your shot, to ensure you do not have an allergic reaction. You will receive prompt treatment if you have a reaction right after getting the vaccine.

You should not receive this vaccine if the first shot caused an allergic reaction. Your doctor or vaccination provider will decide if you can safely receive this vaccine.

Not all possible side effects are known. Getting infected with hepatitis B is much more serious for your health than getting this vaccine.

Common side effects of hepatitis B adult vaccine may include:

• headache;
• tiredness; or
• redness, pain, swelling, or a lump where the shot was given.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report vaccine side effects to the US Department of Health and Human Services at 1 800 822 7967.

Usual Adult Dose for Hepatitis B Prophylaxis:

Primary Vaccination:Engerix-B(R):19 years and younger: Three doses (0.5 mL each) intramuscularly on a 0, 1, and 6 month schedule20 years and older: Three doses (1 mL each) intramuscularly on a 0, 1, and 6 month scheduleHeplisav-B(R): Two doses (0.5 mL each) intramuscularly one month apartRecombivax-HB(R): 19 years and younger: Three doses (0.5 mL each) intramuscularly on a 0, 1, and 6 month schedule (use pediatric/adolescent formulation)20 years and older: Three doses (1 mL each) intramuscularly on a 0, 1, and 6 month schedule (use adult formulation)Known or Presumed Hepatitis B Exposure:Engerix-B(R): Use recommended doses of (above) on a 0, 1, and 6 month schedule OR a 0, 1, 2, and 12 month schedule.Recombivax-HB(R): Refer to recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)Comments:-Administer hepatitis B immune globulin if appropriate.-Start hepatitis B vaccine as soon as possible after exposure.

Contact your vaccination provider or health department if you miss a dose.

An overdose of this vaccine is unlikely to happen.

Do not receive other vaccines without first asking for medical advice.

Before getting this vaccine, inform your vaccination provider about all the other vaccines you have received. Other drugs may impact this vaccine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Let your doctor know about all the other medicines you are using.