The hepatitis B virus (HBV) usually leads to a short-term infection known as acute hepatitis B. If their infection is left untreated, some people develop chronic hepatitis B. Chronic hepatitis B is a serious, permanent condition that can cause organ damage, cirrhosis (scarring of the liver), liver cancer, liver failure, and even death.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), all people should be vaccinated against hepatitis B starting at birth. Adults who are at risk of developing hepatitis B should also receive the vaccine, which is highly effective in preventing infection.
Read on to learn more about the hepatitis B vaccine (HepB) for adults, including who should receive it, the details of the dosage schedule, side effects, and more.
Who Should Receive the Hepatitis B Vaccine?
Vaccination is the most reliable way to prevent getting hepatitis B or developing serious related medical complications.
The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends that people in all age groups get the hepatitis B vaccine, including:
All infants within 24 hours after birthChildren and teens who have not previously been vaccinated against hepatitis BAdults ages 19 to 59 Adults ages 60 and older with at least one risk factor for hepatitis B
Adults over 60 who are not at risk of developing hepatitis B can also receive the HepB vaccine if they choose.
Hepatitis B spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids, such as semen or blood. Examples include:
However, research indicates that only about one-third of people in the U.S. with chronic hepatitis are aware that they have the condition.
Sharing needles or other sharp instruments, such as tattooing or piercing instrumentsUnprotected sex (also referred to as condomless sex)Sharing medical equipment, such as a glucose monitorSharing personal items, such as razors or nail clippersContact with the open sores or blood of someone who has hepatitis BBirth (from birthing parent to baby)
While anyone can get hepatitis B, certain people are more at risk. Risk factors for HBV include:
Having a sexual partner with hepatitis B Living with someone who has hepatitis B Having more than one sexual partner within the last six months A history of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) Being born in, living in, or traveling to regions where hepatitis B is common If male, having sex with other men Injection drug use Diabetes Chronic liver disease Being infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) Kidney dialysis Having had an organ transplant or blood transfusion before the 1980s Being incarcerated Being a sexual assault survivor Working in a health care setting Working in a prison Working in a care facility for people with dementia or developmental disabilities
It’s especially important for adults in high-risk groups to get the hepatitis B vaccine. Adults in any age group who haven’t previously gotten the hepatitis B vaccine, or who did not complete all of their doses, should also get vaccinated.
Hepatitis B Vaccine Schedule for Adults
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the following vaccines for the prevention of hepatitis B:
Engerix-B Heplisav-BRecombivax HB
Engerix-B and Recombivax HB are approved for use in people of all ages, including infants. Heplisav-B is available only for adults ages 18 and older.
All three HepB vaccines are recombinant vaccines. Recombinant vaccines are produced by inserting a small portion of DNA from a virus into a yeast cell. The yeast then produces a protein seen on the virus. When you receive the vaccine, your immune system learns to react to this protein and fight the virus.
The hepatitis B vaccine schedule for adults varies based on the person’s condition and the selected vaccine. Adults typically get the HepB vaccine in a two-, three-, or four-dose series. If you missed a dose, you can get the next one in the series without repeating the previous one.
Two-Dose Vaccine Series
Adults ages 18 and over can get a two-dose series of Heplisav-B for full protection against HBV. Heplisav-B is delivered as an intramuscular injection—a shot, usually in the upper arm—in two 0.5-milliliter doses, one month apart.
Twinrix prevents both hepatitis A (another type of viral liver infection) and hepatitis B in children, adolescents, and adults. It is typically delivered as a three- or four-dose series. Pediarix prevents five conditions—diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, and hepatitis B—in babies and children ages 6 weeks to 6 years. It is typically delivered in three doses.
If you missed a dose of a different HepB vaccine, it can also be replaced by Heplisav-B.
Three-Dose Vaccine Series
For people age 20 and older, both Engerix-B and Recombivax HB are available in a three-dose series of 1 milliliters each across six months. The second dose is given one month after the first, and the third dose is given at six months.
Four-Dose Vaccine Series
People who are currently receiving hemodialysis (kidney dialysis) may need additional protection against hepatitis B. Adults on hemodialysis should get a four-dose series of Engerix-B across six months. These can be delivered in individual 2-milliliter doses or two 1-milliliter doses. After the first dose, they are given in one month, two months, and six months.
Hepatitis B Vaccine Side Effects
Most people only experience mild, short-term side effects from the hepatitis B vaccine. Common side effects include:
HeadacheFeverPain, redness, or swelling at the site of injection
Severe allergic reactions to the hepatitis B vaccine are very rare. If you have symptoms of an allergic reaction shortly after getting the HepB vaccine—such as difficulty breathing, facial swelling, or hives—seek medical help immediately.
The hepatitis B vaccine is safe and effective for most people. However, there are certain people who should not get the HepB vaccine, including:
People who are moderately or severely ill at the time of vaccinationPeople who have had a severe allergic reaction to yeastPeople who have had a severe allergic reaction to a hepatitis B vaccine in the past
Summary
The hepatitis B vaccine is a safe, effective way to prevent hepatitis B and related complications. Engerix-B, Recombivax HB, and Heplisav-B have all been approved by the FDA to prevent hepatitis B.
Adults at risk for contracting hepatitis B (such as people having sex or living with someone who has hepatitis B, intravenous drug users, healthcare workers, people who are undergoing kidney dialysis, and people with certain medical conditions) should get the HepB vaccine.
Adults who haven’t already been vaccinated against hepatitis B should also receive the vaccine.
Heplisav-B is delivered in a two-dose series in one month. It is available to adults 18 and over. Engerix-B and Recombivax HB are administered to adults 20 and older in a three-dose series across six months. Adults who are on hemodialysis can receive extra protection against HepB with a four-dose series of Engerix-B or Recombivax-HB across six months.
A Word From Verywell
Hepatitis B can sometimes lead to serious medical consequences, including liver failure. Getting the hepatitis B vaccine is an effective, safe way to protect yourself from liver inflammation and potential complications.
