Hepatitis B is an infection of the liver caused by the hepatitis B virus. It may resolve within a few months of contracting it, or it may become chronic, possibly leading to liver failure, cirrhosis, liver cancer or death. Hepatitis B is contracted by contact with infected bodily fluids such as blood or semen. The hepatitis B vaccine can prevent most cases of the virus. It is given as a series of three or four injections spaced over several months.
Birth
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that all newborns be vaccinated for Hepatitis B at birth, meaning before the child is released from the hospital following delivery. The American Academy of Pediatrics also recommends the vaccine be given at birth.
Youth
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that all children not vaccinated for hepatitis B at birth receive the vaccine during childhood. As of June 3, 2010, all U.S. states but three mandated this vaccine before admission to either daycare, elementary school or middle school, according to the Immunization Action Coalition. Many colleges require proof of the vaccination prior to admission as well.
Adulthood
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that all adults who are at risk of contracting hepatitis B be vaccinated if they have not done so. This includes healthcare workers and others exposed to human blood or other potentially infectious bodily fluids in the course of work duties, people who engage in sex with multiple partners, men who have sex with other men, people who live with or have sex with someone who has hepatitis B, people who inject illicit drugs, and people with HIV or serious kidney or liver problems. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA, requires all employers to offer the hepatits B vaccine without cost to all employees who face exposure to blood or other potentially infectious bodily fluids.
References
- MedlinePlus: Hepatitis B Vaccine
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Hepatits B Vaccine: What You Need to Know
- Immunization Action Coalition: Hepatitis B Prevention Mandates
- U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration: Hepatitis B Vaccnination--Protection for You
- American Academy of Pediatrics: Recommended Immunization Schedule for Persons Aged 0 Through 6 Years
