Environmental Health & Safety

Hepatitis B Information

What is Hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that can lead to serious disease. The Hepatitis B virus (HBV) can cause acute illness that leads to loss of appetite, tiredness, pain in muscles, joints, or stomach, diarrhea or vomiting or jaundice; it can also cause chronic liver damage, liver cancer and death.

What is the prevalence of Hepatitis B?

In the United States an estimated 130,000 new cases of Hepatitis B occur each year; of this approximately 11,000 require hospitalization. It is believed that more than 1.25 million people in the US have chronic HBV infection, and 4,000 to 5,000 people die each year from Hepatitis B-related complications.

How is Hepatitis B transmitted?

HBV is transmitted primarily through exposure to blood or certain body fluids.

Is there a vaccine to prevent Hepatitis B?

Yes. Since 1982 Hepatitis B vaccines have been available in the US. At TSRI all "employees" are eligible to participate in the Hepatitis B vaccination program free of charge.

Is the Hepatitis B vaccine safe and effective?

Yes on both counts! The Hepatitis B vaccines have been shown to be safe when given to infants, children, and adults; the most common side effects are mild pain at the injection area (13-29% of adults) and/or a moderate fever (1% of adults). Greater than 90% of healthy adults develop adequate antibodies (following the three-shot series) to protect against acute Hepatitis B as well as the consequences of chronic HBV infection.

What is the administration schedule for the Hepatitis B vaccine?

The Hepatitis B vaccination is normally a three-shot regime given in the deltoid muscle. Ideally the first injection is given at day 0, the second 1-month later, and the third, 4 months from the initial injection. Although 0, 1 month, and 4 months is ideal, there is flexibility as long as the second injection is at least 28 days following the first, that there is at least 1 month between the second and third injections, and there is at least 4 months between the first and third injections. At least one month following the third injection, it is recommended that titer (assessment of antibody) be performed; if an adequate titer is detected, no further action is necessary. If the titer is inadequate, further injections may be recommended.

Who should not get the Hepatitis B Vaccination?

Individuals who are hypersensitive to yeast or other components of the vaccine. Individuals who have serious active infection or are pregnant may wish to defer initiation of the series unless the risk of HBV exposure is high; however, the vaccination is considered safe for use during pregnancy if necessary.