• General Information
• Fact Sheet
• Hepatitis Legal Code Statement

Characteristics of Hepatitis B Vaccines

• Protects against disease in those who have not already been infected
• Recombinant produced, inactivated viral antigen vaccines are genetically engineered, so there is no risk of contracting the HIV virus through them; however, plasma-derived vaccine is used in many other countries
• Two immunization products are available
  • Engerix - B ®
  • Recombivax - HB ®
• There seems to be a diminished response to hepatitis B vaccine in older persons, obese people and smokers

Administration of Vaccine for Adults
Dose/Route: Recombivax - HB ® or Engerix - B ®

• 1.0 ml, intramuscular, preferably in the deltoid muscle (avoid buttock)

Schedule

• PRIMARY: three doses - give second and third doses one month and six months, respectively, after first dose
• BOOSTER: The need for a booster has not yet been determined, but will most likely be every 7 - 10 years for high risk groups

Special Considerations

• Ideally, vaccination should begin at least 6 months before travel to high risk areas to allow for completion of the full vaccine series.
  • Engerix - B ® has been approved for use in a four-dose series with the first three doses given at one-month intervals and the fourth dose given 10 months after the third dose. This schedule is recommended for postexposure prophylaxis or for more rapid immunity for international travel.
  • Per American Academy of Pediatrics, a partial series offers protection during travel if three doses one month apart can be delivered before travel.

Who Should Consider Hepatitis B Vaccination?

• The American Academy of Pediatrics, American College Health Association and Center for Disease Control recommend Hepatitis B immunization for all college students (if this has not been previously given in childhood or adolescence).
• All those persons who may be at high risk of Hepatitis B infection should be given the immunization (please see fact sheet).
• If a person is "Hepatitis B antibody positive" from a prior Hepatitis B infection, they will not benefit from hepatitis B vaccination and can, therefore, avoid the expense of the vaccine series. International travelers may be tested for the antibody for hepatitis B if they were born or have lived in endemic areas.

Who Should Not Be Vaccinated?

• Those with a systemic allergy to yeast
• Some pregnant or nursing mothers
• Those who have had a serious reaction to any former hepatitis B vaccine

What Are the Potential Side Effects of the Vaccines?

• The vaccine is well tolerated; soreness at the injection site may occur, but is mild and temporary. Serious reactions are extremely rare. Thimerisol sensitivity is not usually a contradiction.