Postexposure Prophylaxis

After exposure to hepatitis B virus (HBV), appropriate and timely prophylaxis can prevent HBV infection and subsequent development of chronic infection or liver disease. The mainstay of postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) is hepatitis B vaccine, but, in certain circumstances, hepatitis B immune globulin is recommended in addition to vaccine for added protection. This page provides links to PEP guidelines and resources by type of exposure.

Occupational Exposure and Non-occupational Exposure

National Clinicians Post-Exposure Prophylaxis Hotline (PEPline)external icon
Hotline providing clinicians with 24-hour guidance on managing occupational exposures to HIV, viral hepatitis, and other bloodborne pathogens

CDC Guidance for Evaluating Health-Care Personnel for Hepatitis B Virus Protection and for Administering Postexposure Management
MMWR 2013,62(RR10);1-19

Postexposure Prophylaxis to Prevent Hepatitis B Virus Infection
MMWR 2018;67(No. RR-1):1–31
Postexposure Prophylaxis section provides recommendations for management of persons who are exposed to HBV through a distinct, identifiable exposure to blood or body fluids that contain blood, in occupational and nonoccupational settings.

Perinatal Exposure

Infants born to HBV-infected mothers should receive hepatitis B vaccine and hepatitis B immune globulin within 12 hours of birthpdf icon.  See the Perinatal Transmission page for complete guidelines on postexposure prophylaxis for newborns.

Management of Infants Born to Women with Hepatitis B Virus Infection for Pediatricians – September 2021pdf icon