Can I get a hepatitis B vaccination while I’m pregnant?

Yes! Hepatitis B vaccine is safe for both pregnant women and their unborn babies. Moreover, it is strongly recommended that all women—pregnant or not—be vaccinated if any of the following apply: More than one partner during the last six months, A history of a recent STD, A hepatitis B–positive partner, Injectable drug user.

When is it safe to get pregnant after being vaccinated?

Anytime. The hepatitis B vaccine is safe for women and their unborn babies.

How can I reduce my chances of getting hepatitis B?

Though the best way to prevent hepatitis B infection is vaccination, you may try to protect yourself by doing the following: Practice protected, monogamous sex, Do not share needles, Avoid any contact with body fluids, Cover any wounds with a waterproof dressing.

What activities are high-risk?

The risk of contracting hepatitis B significantly increases if you do either of these: Reside with locals, Have unprotected sexual intercourse.

What places are high-risk?

Hepatitis B is spread worldwide. However some areas are considered as high-risk in terms of getting hepatitis B. These areas are: Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, South America, Eastern and central Europe, Middle East.

Hepatitis B vaccine

This is a practical guide to hepatitis B vaccination.

The best part?

We’ll give you only factual information based on reliable sources and our nearly 20 years of experience in travel medicine.

If you like saving money and getting only absolutely necessary travel vaccinations, you’ll like this guide.

Let’s get started!

By Slava Fuzayloff | Published on November 23, 2023

Contents

At a glance

Required or recommended? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends Hepatitis B vaccine; no countries require it
How is Hepatitis B transmitted? Hepatitis B is transmitted via blood or other body fluids (saliva, semen, and vaginal fluids) or by shared needles or from an infected pregnant woman to her baby.
Is it part of routine childhood immunizations: Yes.
Duration of Hepatitis B vaccine protection: 30 years.
Is an adult booster necessary? Yes, if more than 30 years have passed since the last vaccination and the person is at increased risk of contracting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B Vaccine Info

Hepatitis B vaccination Schedule

Regular schedule
Three doses at months 0, 1, & 4 (beginning six months before departure)

Accelerated schedule
Two doses at months 0 & 1 (beginning at least one month before departure)

Effectiveness of Hepatitis B vaccine

94% – 98% protective for at least 20 years

Duration of
Hepatitis B vaccine protection

About 30 years

Side effects of Hepatitis B vaccine

Local soreness, swelling, redness

Fever

Headache

Check FAQ for complete list

Where Hepatitis B is Most Common

Hepatitis B (HBV) is a viral infection that has spread worldwide. More than 257 million people live with chronic hepatitis B. [4] Do I Need the Hepatitis A and B Vaccines? https://www.webmd.com/children/vaccines/need-hepatitis-vaccines The Pacific region, Africa, the eastern Mediterranean region, and Southeast Asia have the highest prevalence of people infected with the hepatitis B virus. See the map below. Note: the risk of hepatitis B acquisition is considered high if 2% or more of a country’s population is HBV-positive.

Disease data source: Schweitzer A, Horn J, Mikolajczyk R, Krause G, Ott J. Estimations of worldwide prevalence of chronic hepatitis B virus infection: a systematic review of data published between 1965 and 2013. Lancet. 2015 Oct 17; 386(10003): 1546–1555.

About Hepatitis B Infection

This section summarizes the most important facts about hepatitis B.

How is hepatitis B spread? Symptoms Incubation period Treatment

Hepatitis B Vaccination FAQ

Here are the questions our patients frequently ask about the hepatitis B vaccination. [1] Hepatitis B Vaccination https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/hepb/index.html We’ve answered them based on 20 years of being the busiest travel clinic in Midtown Manhattan. Let’s dive in!

Hepatitis B vaccine FAQ

Pregnancy FAQ

Side effects FAQ

Making a Decision about Getting a Shot

I don’t have time to be vaccinated.
How can I reduce my chances of getting sick?

Hepatitis B Vaccination
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/hepb/index.html
Do I Need the Hepatitis A and B Vaccines?
https://www.webmd.com/children/vaccines/need-hepatitis-vaccines
Hepatitis B vaccine overview
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/hepatitis-b-vaccine/
Do I Need the Hepatitis A and B Vaccines?
https://www.webmd.com/children/vaccines/need-hepatitis-vaccines
Hepatitis B
https://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/advice/disease-prevention-advice/hepatitis-b

How long do the initial childhood vaccinations last?

People who completed the initial three-dose vaccination series in childhood are immune for 30 years.

Who should get an adult booster dose of the vaccine?

Men who have sex with men (MSM)
People who have multiple sex partners
Partners of hepatitis B–positive people
Injectable drug users
Family members of hepatitis B–positive people
Travelers visiting high-risk areas
People with HIV
Hepatitis C–positive people
People with diabetes who are between 19 and 59 years old
Healthcare providers

How often should people who need booster Hepatitis B shots get them?

Every 30 years

Is there a blood test that will confirm that I am immune to Hepatitis B?

Yes! You can get a blood test for hepatitis B surface antibodies to check your immunity.

Is Hepatitis B booster dose required or recommended?

A booster dose is not required, but it is recommended for people who completed their HBV vaccination series more than 30 years ago and are at continuous risk of HBV acquisition.

Who cannot get a hepatitis B vaccination?

People who were allergic to a previous HBV vaccination should not get one.

How long before I travel should I get the Hepatitis B vaccine?

Ideally, you should get a booster dose at least six months before your departure. However, the vaccine will provide partial protection if it’s received later than that. For instance, if you get the booster dose a week before your international travel, it will provide about 20.5% protection.

I am late getting my vaccination. Is it still worthwhile getting it?

Yes! You’ll get some protection and you’ll continue to develop immunity to Hepatitis B during your trip.

I cannot find my records. Is extra Hepatitis B vaccine harmful to my health?

No! An extra (unnecessary) shot of the hepatitis B vaccine will not harm you.

What if I got the Hepatitis B vaccine in the past?

Please check the date of your last vaccination. If you completed your three-dose series over 30 years ago, you should consider getting a booster dose.

How can I find my records?

Unfortunately, the United States has no nationwide system that maintains vaccine administration records. You can try to find your records by following the suggestions below.

Ways to Find Your Vaccine Administration Record
Check your medical records at the healthcare facility where you received the vaccine	Contact your school or college
Ask your parents if they have those records	Contact your past employers (some of them require proof of immunization)
Check old medical records from your childhood	Contact your current healthcare provider Contact your local health department

What side effects should I expect after a hepatitis B vaccination?

Hepatitis B vaccine is safe and effective. But as with any vaccine, some adverse effects are possible:

Common Side Effects	Rare Side Effects
fever headache local redness, pain, swelling general discomfort	hives swelling of the throat difficulty breathing fast heartbeat dizziness serious injury

What should I do if I have side effects?

It is important to recognize hepatitis B vaccine–associated side effects and know what action to take. See the table below.

Severe Side Effects	Minor Side Effects
Call 911 immediately if you have: swelling of the throat difficulty breathing fast heartbeat * If you have a vaccine-related injury, call 1-800-338-2382 for compensation.	Minor side effects include fever, hives, headache, and mild fatigue. They tend to resolve in one or two days and do not require any medical attention. Drink water and take over-the-counter medication, such as Tylenol, Advil, or Benadryl, as needed. *Call us at 212-696-5900 or call your primary care provider if symptoms do not resolve within 48 hours.

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