What to know
- The best way to prevent hepatitis B is by getting vaccinated.
- Infants, children, and adults can get vaccinated for hepatitis B.
- Hepatitis B vaccine is safe and effective.
- Talk to your doctor about getting vaccinated for hepatitis B.
Recommendations at a glance
CDC recommends hepatitis B vaccine for:
- All infants.
- All children and adolescents younger than 19 who have not been vaccinated.
- Adults 19–59.
- Adults 60 and older with risk factors for hepatitis B.
Why vaccination is important
Getting vaccinated is the best way to prevent hepatitis B infection.
Hepatitis B vaccine dosing
Hepatitis B vaccine is a series of two or three shots depending on the vaccine brand.
Missing a dose
If you miss a dose of hepatitis B vaccine, it's okay. Be sure to get the next dose as soon as possible.
Pregnancy considerations
Hepatitis B vaccine is safe for pregnant people. Talk to your doctor about the best option for you.
Boosters are often not necessary
A "booster" dose is an extra dose of vaccine that can increase or extend the effectiveness of the vaccine. Most healthy people do not need a booster dose.
What to expect
If you get the three-shot series, your doctor will give them over a 6-month period. If you get the vaccine that is just two doses, you will get them about one month apart. You need to get all of the shots to be fully protected.
Safety and effectiveness
Hepatitis B vaccine is safe and effective. It gives you long-term protection against illness from acute and chronic infection.
Possible side effects
Hepatitis B vaccine is safe, and most people don’t experience any side effects. Soreness at the injection site is the most common side effect.