Hepatitis B Vaccine
Hepatitis B Vaccination Schedule
The complete course of vaccination takes a total of three doses. The second dose is given 1 month after the first, and the third dose is given 5 months after the second. If there is an interruption between doses of hepatitis B vaccine, it is not necessary to re-start the vaccine series. Arrangement for the subsequent doses should be made as soon as possible.
Hepatitis B Vaccine is Effective
After a complete course of hepatitis B vaccination, 90 to 95% of people would produce protective antibody levels, which can confer long-term protection against HBV infection.
Hepatitis B Vaccine is Safe
Hepatitis B vaccine is very safe and its side effects are minimal. Occasionally there may be slight soreness, redness or swelling around the injection site, some vaccinees may develop mild fever. These side effects usually occur within the first few hours and resolve within one to two days after vaccination. Severe allergic reactions following vaccination are uncommon.
Who Should Receive Hepatitis B Vaccine?
With the implementation of universal neonatal hepatitis B vaccination programme in Hong Kong since 1988, all newborns would receive the birth dose of vaccination in the hospital. They should receive the second and third doses according to the schedule of the childhood immunization programme. In addition, the following groups at high risk of the infection should also receive the vaccine:
- Household and sexual contacts of people with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection
- Intravenous drug users
- People who receive blood or blood products on a regular basis
- People on dialysis
- Health care workers who might be in contact with blood or other body fluids
It is preferable to have blood tests for hepatitis B status before vaccination. Vaccination is not required for people who already have protective antibody for HBV. If you are tested to be infected with HBV, vaccination will not be effective.
Who should Not Receive Hepatitis B Vaccine?
- Anyone who is allergic to any component in hepatitis B vaccine (e.g. yeast) or has ever had allergic reaction after the previous dose of hepatitis B vaccine, should not receive the vaccine
- Anyone who has an acute or severe illness should receive the vaccine after recovery
If you have enquiries, please seek medical advice before receiving vaccination.
Where Can I Get Hepatitis B Vaccine?
Babies born in Hong Kong would receive the birth dose of vaccination in the hospital. The second and third doses will be given at 1 month and 6 months of age in the Maternal & Child Health Centres, Department of Health. Babies born to mothers infected with HBV would receive an additional dose of hepatitis B immunoglobulin within 24 hours after birth for extra protection.
The general population are advised to consult their family doctor for advice and arrangement of hepatitis B vaccination.