Hepatitis B is a serious disease caused by a virus that attacks the liver. The hepatitis B virus (HBV) can cause lifelong infection, cirrhosis (scarring) of the liver, liver cancer, liver failure, and death. Most people who have chronic hepatitis B do not know they have it. Hepatitis B screening tests are recommended by CDC for all adults and treatments are available to prevent serious outcomes. Safe and effective vaccines are available to prevent this infection. Hepatitis B vaccines give you long-term protection against illness from acute and chronic infection.
Learn more about how Hepatitis B spreads, the symptoms, who is at risk and more.Prevention The best way to prevent hepatitis B is to get vaccinated. The hepatitis B vaccine is safe and effective against preventing hepatitis B. CDPH recommends hepatitis B vaccine for:
- All infants.
- All children and adolescents younger than 19 who have not been vaccinated.
- Adults 19–59.
- Adults 60 and older with risk factors for hepatitis B.
Immunizations for Infants
Millions of people live with chronic hepatitis B in the United States. Persons with hepatitis B can pass the infection to their baby. Infants with hepatitis B have a 90% chance of developing chronic hepatitis B infection. This is why it is so important to protect infants with the Hepatitis B vaccine at birth.
Infants are recommended to receive the first hepatitis B vaccine dose at birth, followed by two additional doses. See the
Recommended Immunizations Schedule for Children Birth Through 6 Years Old for more details.