Why It Is Used

Hepatitis B virus causes a liver infection that can lead to serious complications, including liver cancer. It is common in people throughout the world, particularly in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.

The Canadian National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends hepatitis B immunization for all children. Pregnant women and other adults who do not have immunity and who have a high chance of exposure should be vaccinated.

For babies

Healthy babies who weigh at least 2000 g (4.4 lb) receive their first dose of hepatitis B vaccine at 2 months or at birth either before going home or within 12 hours of birth if the mother has hepatitis B. When a baby receives the first dose varies by each province and territory.

Babies who are born early (premature) or who weigh less than 2000 g (4.4 lb) usually get their first hepatitis B shot before leaving the hospital or when they are 1 month old if the mother is not infected with hepatitis B.^{footnote 1}

When the other 2 hepatitis B shots are given to babies depends on whether the mother has hepatitis B and the recommended immunization schedule in the province or territory where the baby was born. Some babies will also need hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG). If you have questions about your baby's immunizations, talk with your doctor.

For children and teens

Anyone 18 years of age or younger who has not previously received the hepatitis B vaccine should get it. Children adopted from countries where HBV infection is common should be tested for hepatitis B and get shots if they are not immune.

For adults at high risk of exposure

Adults who have not received the hepatitis B vaccine series should be immunized when they have an increased risk of exposure. Job, travel, health condition, or lifestyle all may increase a person's risk of contracting hepatitis B.

People who live or work where there is risk of exposure include:

• Health care and public safety workers who are likely to be exposed to blood or blood products.
• Clients and staff of institutions or residential settings with known or potential HBV carriers.
• People planning extended travel (more than 6 months) to China, Southeast Asia, Africa, and other areas where hepatitis B infection is high.

People who have health conditions that put them at high risk for exposure or a severe infection include:

• People who have a severe kidney disease that requires them to have their blood filtered through a machine (dialysis).
• People who have chronic liver disease.
• People who have hemophilia and other conditions in which they need to have blood products on an ongoing basis.
• People who had a stem cell transplant.

People whose lifestyle puts them at high risk for exposure include:

• People who inject illegal drugs.
• Men who have sex with men.
• People who have had more than one sex partner in the past 6 months or who have a history of sexually transmitted infection.
• Household contacts and sex partners of hepatitis B carriers.
• Prison inmates.

For certain people, such as those with impaired immune systems or who are at high risk of exposure to HBV, health professionals will want to perform a blood test to make sure the vaccine worked (post-vaccination testing).