Hepatitis B is a viral disease that can affect the liver. The vaccine against hepatitis B virus prevents short-term illness (acute hepatitis) and a serious, life-threatening infection called
chronic hepatitis B.
People may not know they are infected and can spread hepatitis B even if they don't look or feel sick. The hepatitis B vaccine is given to newborns who may be unknowingly exposed at birth to help prevent infection.
How does hepatitis B spread?
Children infected at birth and in early childhood are much more likely to get chronic hepatitis B than adults. The majority (90%) of infants infected at birth develop chronic hepatitis.
Hepatitis B spreads when blood, semen or other body fluid infected with the virus enters the body of a person who is not infected. People can become infected through:
Most people with chronic hepatitis do not have symptoms, but the effects of the disease are serious. The disease causes liver damage, liver cancer, and death.
The good news is that most people who get vaccinated against hepatitis B are immune for life. The vaccine is over 95% effective at preventing this disease in children and adults.
Why the hepatitis B vaccine for babies is important
Babies have incredible immune systems, ready to learn as soon as they are born of hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours of birth. The vaccine teaches their immune system how to recognize and resist the virus faster than the virus can multiply and cause disease.
Watch this video to hear how getting the hepatitis B vaccine early helps avoid infection and health problems like liver disease and liver cancer.
The
first dose of the vaccine protects newborns from possible exposures during delivery and the first few days of life. It provides a safety net for babies whose family members may not know they are infected with hepatitis B.
If babies get infected with hepatitis B, they have a
90% chance of developing chronic hepatitis B. A baby can get infected during labor if the mother has hepatitis B. Infants can also get hepatitis B if they come in contact with body fluids from someone infected.
Sadly,
25% of babies who get chronic hepatitis B die. In high-risk deliveries, the baby may receive a dose of hepatitis B immune globulin in addition to vaccine. This gives the immune system extra antibodies that protect the baby for a few weeks.
After babies complete all hepatitis B doses, they live a life free from hepatitis B liver damage. The hepatitis B vaccine series includes the first dose given just after birth and 3 additional doses given between 6 and 18 months of age.
Hepatitis B vaccine can be combined safely with other vaccines in the same shot. It can also be one of several shots for different vaccines received in the same visit to the doctor.
Babies also get a
vitamin K shot when they are born. We all need this vitamin, but babies are born with very little of it. This puts them at risk of dangerous bleeding. Fortunately, the vitamin K shot has prevented bleeding in newborns for more than 60 years.
Hepatitis B vaccine for pregnant people
People are tested for hepatitis B
during each pregnancy. Testing may be done during labor and delivery at the hospital. Hepatitis B vaccine can be given to someone during pregnancy if they have not been vaccinated.
If you're an expecting parent with questions about the vaccine, talk with your OB/GYN and pediatrician before your baby is born.
Talk with your doctor
Tell your doctor if someone getting the hepatitis B vaccine has any life-threatening allergies. Do the same if you are sick. People with minor illnesses, like a cold, can get vaccinated.
You and your doctor will evaluate your situation. You can discuss testing and preventing hepatitis B through vaccination.
Possible effects after vaccination
Occasionally, people have redness, swelling or or feel soreness where they received the shot. A few babies might get a fever. For any signs that concern you, call your doctor.
If someone has a serious reaction to a vaccine, there are two government agencies that monitor vaccine reactions and safety through the Vaccine Adverse Reporting System (VAERS).
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