How many hepatitis b shots are required for children

Turn on more accessible mode. Turn off more accessible mode. Skip Ribbon Commands. Skip to main content. Turn off Animations. Turn on Animations. Our Sponsors Log in Register. Log in Register. Ages and Stages. Healthy Living. Safety and Prevention. Family Life. Health Issues. Tips and Tools. Our Mission. Find a Pediatrician. Text Size. Page Content. Why is my child at risk? You may feel your child will never be exposed to HBV in any of these ways.

Some people with HBV do not even know they are infected. If the baby was born early and had a low birth weight, they'll then need to start the routine vaccination 3 more doses at 1 month of age. If a newborn's mother doesn't have the virus in her blood, the baby can get the HepB vaccine within 24 hours after birth. If the baby was born early and had a low birth weight, they'll wait to get first dose at 1 month of age or when they're discharged from the hospital whichever comes first.

Some kids may need to get vaccinated again later in life. These include children: whose mothers carry the hepatitis B virus in their blood who need hemodialysis who have a weak immune system Sometimes doctors give the HepB vaccine in combination with other vaccines, such as DTaP, IPV, Hib, or HepA vaccines. Possible Risks of HepB Vaccine Side effects usually are mild, and can include a mild fever and soreness or redness at the injection site.

When to Delay or Avoid HepB Immunization Doctors delay giving the vaccine to babies who weigh less than 4 pounds, 7 ounces 2, grams at birth whose mothers do not have the virus in their blood. The vaccine is not recommended if your child: is currently sick, although simple colds or other minor illnesses should not prevent immunization had a serious allergic reaction after an earlier dose of the vaccine or is allergic to baker's yeast Caring for Your Child After HepB Immunization Your child may have fever , soreness, and some swelling and redness at the shot site.

When Should I Call the Doctor? Call the doctor if: You're not sure of the recommended schedule for the HepB vaccine. You have concerns about your own hepatitis B carrier state. This is why the hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for pregnant women who are in a high-risk category.

There's no evidence of any risk from vaccinating pregnant or breastfeeding women against hepatitis B. And, as it's an inactivated dead vaccine, the risk to the unborn baby is likely to be negligible insignificant. A hepatitis B-containing vaccine is provided for all babies born in the UK on or after 1 August This is given as part of the 6-in-1 vaccine. Hospitals, GP surgeries and sexual health or GUM clinics usually provide the hepatitis B vaccination free of charge for anyone at risk of infection.

GPs are not obliged to provide the hepatitis B vaccine on the NHS if you're not thought to be at risk. GPs may charge for the hepatitis B vaccine if you want it as a travel vaccine , or they may refer you to a travel clinic for a private vaccination. The hepatitis B vaccine is very effective.

About 9 in every 10 adults who have it develop protection against hepatitis B. If you have a weakened immune system or you're on kidney dialysis, the hepatitis B vaccine may not work as well as usual. You may need more frequent doses. Page last reviewed: 4 September Next review due: 4 September Hepatitis B vaccine overview. Who should be vaccinated against hepatitis B All babies should be vaccinated to protect them against hepatitis B infection.

These groups include: people who inject drugs or have a partner who injects drugs people who change their sexual partners frequently men who have sex with men babies born to infected mothers close family or sexual partners of someone with hepatitis B people who have regular blood transfusions or blood products, and their carers people with any form of chronic liver disease or chronic kidney disease people travelling to high-risk countries male and female sex workers people whose work puts them at risk of contact with blood or body fluids, such as nurses, prison staff, doctors, dentists and laboratory staff prisoners families adopting or fostering children from high-risk countries How to get vaccinated against hepatitis B All babies in the UK born on or after 1 August are given 3 doses of hepatitis B-containing vaccine as part of the NHS routine vaccination schedule.

Find local sexual health services If your GP or nurse is unable to offer you the hepatitis B vaccine because of a temporary shortage in supply, you may need to wait longer for the vaccine. What hepatitis B immunisation involves Full protection involves having 3 injections of the hepatitis B vaccine at the recommended intervals. Emergency hepatitis B vaccination If you've been exposed to the hepatitis B virus and have not been vaccinated before, you should get immediate medical advice, as you may benefit from having the hepatitis B vaccine.