• About the Disease

Hepatitis B is a serious disease. The first stage of Hepatitis B may lead to:

• Loss of desire to eat
• Feeling tired
• Pains in muscles, joints, or stomach
• Diarrhea or vomiting
• Yellow skin or eyes
• Death

Long-lasting infection with hepatitis B virus may:

• Destroy the liver (cirrhosis)
• Lead to liver cancer
• Cause death

Each year in the United States:

• 150,000 people contract hepatitis B
• More than 11,000 people have to stay in the hospital for care
• 4,000 to 5,000 people die from hepatitis B

Hepatitis B virus is carried in the blood and body fluids of an infected person. It can pass through tiny breaks in the skin, mouth, vagina, or penis. A person can get infected in several ways, such as:

• During birth when the infected mother passes the virus to her baby
• By having sex with an infected person
• By being stuck with a used needle
• By sharing personal item, such as a razor or toothbrush

People can spread hepatitis B virus without even knowing they have it.

• About the Vaccine

Vaccination is the best way to protect against hepatitis B.

• Hepatitis B vaccine schedule

Most people should get 3 doses of hepatitis B vaccine. If you miss a dose or get behind schedule, get the next dose as soon as you can. There is no need to start over. Other vaccines may be given at the same time as hepatitis B vaccine. Your CMP Provider has a schedule of vaccines for you and your child.

Who should get hepatitis B vaccine?

• Most infants
• Children 10 years of age and younger whose parents are from parts of the world where hepatitis B is common
• Pre-teens and teens who did not get the vaccine already
• Adults at risk

Ask your CMP Provider if you should get the vaccine. 

Be sure to tell us if the person getting the vaccine ever had a serious allergic reaction to the hepatitis B vaccine, common baker’s yeast, or currently has a moderate or severe illness.

See also the article Hepatitis B and your Child.

**Information courtesy of U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, the Center for Disease Control and the American Academy of Pediatrics.