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TextHepatitis 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.
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