Recommendations for Vaccination Against Hepatitis B Virus

 

Children - The current recommendations are for vaccination of all children.

(1) If possible, the immunization series begins in newborns, with completion of series by 2 years of age.

(2) If early vaccination is not performed, vaccination may begin at any time later, with a serious attempt at completion when 11-12 years old if not done sooner.

(3) The regimen consists of 3 doses, with second dose at least one month after first dose, and third dose at least four months after first and at least 2 months after the second dose.

 

Adults who should be vaccinated against viral hepatitis B:

(1) those exposed to blood or blood products during work (health care workers, police, others)

(2) clients and staff of institutions for the developmentally disabled

(3) hemodialysis patients

(4) sexually active homosexual or bisexual males

(5) sexually active heterosexual individuals with multiple partners or a recent history of a sexually transmitted disease

(6) injection drug users

(7) recipients of certain blood products made from plasma pools

(8) household and sexual contacts of hepatitis B virus carriers

(9) inmates of long-term correctional facilities

(10) individuals from high-risk populations (Pacific Islanders, Alaskan natives, first generation immigrants or refugees from countries with high rates of hepatitis B viral infections)

(11) international travelers planning prolonged visit to areas with intermediate to high rates of viral hepatitis B

(12) patients with chronic liver disease

(13) adults in testing or treatment facilities for sexually transmitted diseases (STD), HIV or drug addiction