Hepatitis B Vaccine

Overview

Hepatitis B is a liver disease that’s caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). This can sometimes cause mild to severe and life-long illness. The virus is spread through blood and other body fluids of an infected person. Approximately half of those infected are unaware they have it. People who develop chronic hepatitis B can develop liver damage, liver cancer, and may die from the disease.

Childhood Recommendations

Infants should be given their first hepatitis B vaccine dose at birth and complete the series of 2–4 doses by age 6–18 months.

The hepatitis B birth dose vaccine is a crucial component in preventing long-term illness in infants and the transmission of hepatitis B in the United States.

Adult recommendations

Adults aged 19–59 should receive the hepatitis B vaccine, as well as adults aged 60 years and older who are at higher risk for exposure to hepatitis B.

All adults aged 60 years and older without increased risk factors for hepatitis B and who are seeking protection may receive a hepatitis B vaccine.

Immunization schedules

Childhood schedules: 

• Birth—6 years
• Ages 7–18 years

Adult schedule:

• Adult (19 years and older) vaccine schedule.

Additional information about the hepatitis B vaccine

Hepatitis B Vaccine Information Statement

CDC’s Hepatitis B main page