The hepatitis B vaccine was introduced in the United States in 1981, and according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, hepatitis B vaccination has been a routine part of childhood vaccination since 1991. Since the introduction of the hepatitis B vaccine, the reported incidence of hepatitis B infection has decreased by more than 95 percent in children and adolescents and by 75 percent across all age groups.
Early Childhood Immunization
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, infants should receive their first dose of hepatitis B vaccination immediately after birth. The hepatitis B vaccination series should be completed by six through 18 months of age. The second dose of the hepatitis B vaccine is administered four weeks after the first dose. The second dose of the hepatitis B vaccine must be administered no later than eight weeks. The third and final dose of the hepatitis B vaccine is administered six months after the first dose at birth. All three doses of the hepatitis B vaccine must be completed before the child is 18 months of age. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has a different immunization schedule for children who did not begin their series of hepatitis B vaccination at birth.
Adult Immunization
Three thousand to 5,000 deaths occur each year due to cirrhosis of the liver or liver cancer caused by hepatitis B infection, notes the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. According to Medline Plus, hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all adults who have multiple sexual partners, have sexual partners that are infected with the hepatitis B virus, are sexually active homosexual males or are living in the same household as someone infected with the hepatitis B virus. Adults who are intravenous drug users or have chronic kidney disease or liver disease are advised to receive hepatitis B vaccines. People who work in hospital or laboratory settings and are exposed to human blood are advised to received the hepatitis B vaccine as well. Adults receive two doses of the hepatitis B vaccine four weeks apart.
Recommendations Against the Vaccine
Hepatitis B vaccination is not recommended for individuals allergic to baker's yeast or any other components of the hepatitis B vaccine. This vaccine is also not recommended for anyone who previously had a severe allergic reaction to their first dose or series of hepatitis B vaccine. Individuals seriously ill should have their hepatitis B vaccination postponed till a later date.
