Background:

Hepatitis B (HepB) is a vaccine-preventable, communicable disease of the liver caused by HBV. HBV is transmitted through percutaneous (i.e., puncture through the skin) or mucosal (i.e., direct contact with mucous membranes) exposure to infectious blood or body fluids.

Who should be screened for hepatitis B infection?

The CDC recommends the following screening practices for HBV infection:

  • Adults: Clinicians should screen all adults aged 18 years and older for HBV infection at least once during their lifetime. 
  • Infants: Clinicians should test all infants born to pregnant people who are HBsAg positive or have other evidence of HBV infection.
  • Pregnant people: Clinicians should screen all pregnant people for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) during each pregnancy, preferably in the first trimester, regardless of vaccination status or history of testing.

Testing is not a requirement for vaccination, and in settings where testing is not feasible, vaccination of persons recommended to receive the vaccine should continue.

Vaccine recommendations:

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends that the following people should receive hepatitis B vaccination: 

  • Adults aged 19–59 years
  • Adults aged 60 years and older with risk factors for hepatitis B
  • Adults aged 60 years and older without known risk factors for hepatitis B who are seeking protection
  • Infants and all other persons aged 19 years or younger are already recommended to receive hepatitis B vaccines

What are the hepatitis B vaccines licensed for use in the United States?

There are three single-antigen vaccines, one three-antigen vaccine, and three combination vaccines currently licensed in the United States.

Vaccine cost:

The vaccine is covered by most insurance plans, please check your coverage and bring your insurance card to your appointment.

How to get the vaccination:

Call your ADC Family Practice, Internal Medicine or Pediatric office to schedule an appointment at (512) 901-1111.

For more information on hepatitis B including the risk factors and symptoms, visit the CDC website here.