Table of Contents
- 1 How many injections are needed for a complete hepatitis B immunization series?
- 2 How long is the hepatitis B vaccine good for?
- 3 How does the hepatitis B vaccine work?
- 4 Can you still get hepatitis B after vaccination?
- 5 How many types of hepatitis B vaccines are there?
- 6 Why did my hepatitis B vaccine not work?
How many injections are needed for a complete hepatitis B immunization series?
Hepatitis B vaccine is usually given as 2, 3, or 4 shots. Infants should get their first dose of hepatitis B vaccine at birth and will usually complete the series at 6–18 months of age.
How long is the hepatitis B vaccine good for?
How long does protection from hepatitis B vaccine last? Studies indicate that immunologic memory remains intact for at least 30 years among healthy people who initiated hepatitis B vaccination at >6 months of age (16).
What type of vaccine is the hepatitis B vaccine?
Hepatitis B vaccine
| Vaccine description | |
|---|---|
| Target | Hepatitis B virus |
| Vaccine type | Subunit |
| Clinical data | |
| Trade names | Recombivax HB, Engerix-B, Heplisav-B, others |
How does the hepatitis B vaccine work?
Hepatitis B vaccine recombinant is used to prevent infection by the hepatitis B virus. The vaccine works by causing your body to produce its own protection (antibodies) against the disease.
Can you still get hepatitis B after vaccination?
The good news is that hepatitis B is vaccine preventable. This means that after you complete the vaccine series, you cannot contract hepatitis B through any modes of transmission; you are protected for life!
What does hepatitis B vaccine contain?
Hepatitis B vaccines contain one of the proteins from the surface of the hepatitis B virus (HepB surface antigen, or HBsAg). This protein is made by inserting the genetic code into yeast cells, which removes any risk of viral DNA getting into the final product. This process is called recombinant DNA technology.
How many types of hepatitis B vaccines are there?
Of the three single antigen HepB vaccines available in the United States, Engerix-B (GlaxoSmithKline) and Recombivax HB (Merck) are approved for vaccination starting at birth. Heplisav-B (Dynavax) is approved only for people 18 years of age and older.
Why did my hepatitis B vaccine not work?
Although the majority of persons vaccinated against hepatitis B successfully respond to vaccination, an estimated 5-15\% of persons may not respond due to older age, obesity, smoking, and other chronic illness.