Hepatitis B Vaccine

Hepatitis B is a serious disease. It can cause long term (chronic) illness that leads to liver damage (cirrhosis), liver cancer, and death. About 1.25 million people in the U.S. have chronic hepatitis B virus infection. Each year it is estimated that 200,000 people, mostly young adults, get infected with hepatitis B virus.

Hepatitis B virus is spread through contact with the blood and body fluids of an infected person. A person can become infected in several ways, for example, being stuck with a used needle on the job, by injecting illegal drugs, by having sex with an infected person or by sharing personal items such as a razor or toothbrush with an infected person.

Hepatitis B vaccine can prevent hepatitis B. See childhood immunization schedule for dose requirments. The vaccine is available through your private physician, at military clinics and at local health departments. Contact the health department nearest you for further information.