Infectious Diseases Forum - Vaccines for hepatitis B

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Q: Vaccines for hepatitis B

asked by: DoctorQuestion on June 5th, 2009

I have a hypothetical question. Suppose you are currently Hepatitis B negative and you begin a series of shots to get vaccinated (3 shots are required over a 6 month period). Month 1 you get your first shot; but then in month 2, you get exposed to the virus while you are traveling in Asia. What happens next?

Replies(1)

Dr. Goce Aleksovski , MD

replied on June 8th, 2009

(online)

Infectious Diseases Answer A6758

The immune system is completely ready to fight hepatitis B only after all three doses are given. As for people that are exposed to hepatitis B infection, CDC gives the following recommendations:

Persons who are in the process of being vaccinated but who have not completed the vaccine series should receive the appropriate dose of hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) and should complete the vaccine series.

Unvaccinated persons should receive both HBIG and hepatitis B vaccine as soon as possible after exposure (preferably within 24 hours). Hepatitis B vaccine may be administered simultaneously with HBIG in a separate injection site. The hepatitis B vaccine series should be completed in accordance with the age-appropriate vaccine dose and schedule.

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