Hepatitis B Vaccine
On This Page:
What Is Hepatitis B?
What Are the Symptoms of Hepatitis B?
How Does Hepatitis B Spread?
What Is the Hepatitis B Vaccine?
Who Should Get a Hepatitis B Vaccine?
Where Does Hepatitis B Occur?
Will I Need Hepatitis B Booster Shots?
Where Can I Get the Hepatitis B Vaccine?
What Is Hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B is a contagious liver infection with potentially severe symptoms. It can lead to lifelong illness if it becomes chronic.
The two most common forms of hepatitis B are:
- Acute Hepatitis B – A short-term illness occurring 6 months after exposure. It can lead to chronic hepatitis infection.
- Chronic Hepatitis B – A long-term illness that affects the liver. Per the CDC, nearly 250 million people worldwide have chronic infection.
What Are the Symptoms of Hepatitis B?
Many people with hepatitis B have no symptoms at all and do not know they are infected. According to the CDC, this is especially common in young children.
When symptoms do occur, they usually appear between 8 weeks and 5 months after exposure and can include:
- Feeling tired
- Fever
- Nausea, stomach pain, or vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Joint pain
- Dark urine or pale stools
- Yellow skin or eyes
Symptoms usually last several weeks but can continue for up to six months in some people. Even without symptoms, a person with hepatitis B can still pass it to others. If you think you may have been exposed, talk to your doctor and get tested.
How Does Hepatitis B Spread?
The hepatitis B virus spread through bodily fluids like blood or semen. Some common vectors include: sex, contaminated needles, and direct contact with blood or open wounds.
Per the CDC, sexual transmission accounts for nearly two-thirds of acute hepatitis B cases. It is 50 to 100 times more infectious than HIV.
How Hepatitis Strains Spread |
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| Contaminated Food or Water |
Sexual Contact | Blood/Bodily Fluids |
Contaminated Medical Items |
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| Hepatitis A |  |
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| Hepatitis B | |
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| Hepatitis C | |
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| Hepatitis D | |
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| Hepatitis E | |
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What Is the Hepatitis B Vaccine?
The hepatitis B vaccine is a safe and effective vaccine that protects against hepatitis B infection. According to the CDC, it provides long-term protection against both short-term and chronic hepatitis B illness.
The vaccine is given as a series of either two or three shots, depending on the specific vaccine used. If you receive the three-shot series, the doses are given over a six-month period. If you receive the two-shot version, the doses are given about one month apart. You need to complete all doses to be fully protected.
Most people do not need a booster dose after completing the series. If you miss a dose, you do not need to start over — simply get the next dose as soon as possible, according to the CDC.
Who Should Get a Hepatitis B Vaccine?
According to the CDC, vaccination against hepatitis B is recommended for everyone. But, some groups are at an increased risk. These include the following individuals:
- Men who have sex with men
- Inject drugs or share needles
- Live with a person with chronic hepatitis B
- Hemodialysis patients
- Travelers to regions with hepatitis B transmission.
Those who are allergic to products within the vaccine and some individuals with certain health conditions. Consult with a travel health specialist to learn if the vaccine is right for you and your situation.
Where Does Hepatitis B Occur?
Hepatitis B is found across the globe. From developed countries to those still developing, the disease can spread relatively easily. Some regions, like Africa, have an increased risk. While other more developed areas have a slightly lower risk due to increased use of vaccinations.
No matter the destination, vaccination is recommended.
Will I Need Hepatitis B Booster Shots?
Yes, hepatitis B booster vaccinations are necessary for full immunity. The exact schedule and number of doses vary by specific immunization given.
Where Can I Get the Hepatitis B Vaccine?
All Passport Health locations carry a variety of hepatitis B vaccinations. Call or book online to schedule your appointment today!
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Hepatitis B Vaccinations
“Nurse was very professional and very informative towards the current vacinations and outbreaks. She even went over more common vaccines like hepatitis B. Nurse was not pushy and gave pros and cons to each medications suggested. When came to the injections she was very clear and supportive.”
“Our appointment was early. We were seen on time and our nurse was extremely efficient and informative. We had a great experience. We also learnt a lot about diseases and immunization recommendations. We got a few routine vaccinations like hepatitis B to make sure we’re protected.”
“Decided to do a last minute trip to Ecuador and decided to see what I needed to travel. My sister referred me to Passport Health and it was very easy to get an appointment the next day and they were very thorough in what they recommended to me for my trip, including routine vaccinations like hepatitis B, which I hadn’t even thought of. All can be done in a one shop stop manner. Would definitely recommend them to others.”
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