Hepatitis B Vaccination

The Hepatitis B vaccine is recommended in many countries worldwide, particularly as part of routine childhood immunisation programs and for certain high-risk populations. Some of the countries where the Hepatitis B vaccine is commonly recommended include:

• United States

• Canada

• United Kingdom

• Australia

• European countries

• China

• India

• Brazil

• South Africa

• Japan

These countries typically include the Hepatitis B vaccine as part of routine childhood immunisation schedules, with doses administered starting shortly after birth, followed by additional doses during infancy and childhood.

Infants
Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all infants shortly after birth, typically within the first 24 hours, followed by additional doses during infancy to ensure long-term protection against Hepatitis B infection.

Adolescents or Adults
Adolescents and adults who have not been vaccinated against Hepatitis B should consider vaccination, particularly if they are at increased risk of exposure due to factors such as healthcare work, injection drug use, unprotected sexual activity, or travel to regions where Hepatitis B is endemic.

Certain Medical Conditions
Individuals with certain medical conditions, such as chronic liver disease or HIV infection, may also benefit from Hepatitis B vaccination to prevent complications associated with Hepatitis B infection.

Risk of Hepatitis B Infection
Without vaccination, individuals remain susceptible to Hepatitis B infection, which can lead to acute and chronic liver disease, including cirrhosis and liver cancer.

Transmission to Others
Hepatitis B is highly contagious and can be transmitted through blood or other bodily fluids. Individuals who are not vaccinated against Hepatitis B may unknowingly transmit the virus to others, contributing to the spread of infection within communities.

Long-Term Health Consequences
Chronic Hepatitis B infection can lead to serious long-term health consequences, including liver failure and liver cancer, which may require medical interventions such as antiviral therapy or liver transplantation.

Primary Vaccination
For infants, the Hepatitis B vaccine is usually given as a series of three doses, with the first dose administered shortly after birth, the second dose at 1-2 months of age, and the third dose at 6-18 months of age.

Booster Doses
Booster doses may be recommended for certain high-risk populations, such as healthcare workers or individuals with weakened immune systems, to ensure continued protection against Hepatitis B infection.