Hepatitis B Vaccine: What Patients Should Know
Hepatitis B vaccine is an injection used to prevent hepatitis B, a viral infection that can damage the liver. It does not treat an existing hepatitis B infection and does not protect against hepatitis A, C, or other hepatitis viruses.
The hepatitis B vaccine is an effective way to prevent hepatitis B infection when all recommended doses are completed. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about the right vaccine and schedule for your age, health, and travel needs.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- J07BC01
- Generic
- Hepatitis B Vaccine
- Class
- vaccine
- Brands
- Engerix-B, Recombivax HB
- Availability
- behind_counter
- Pregnancy
- C
- Lactation
- safe
- Routes
- im
- Forms
- injection
- Regions
- CN, US, EU, JP
- Monitoring
- anti-hbs-titer
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 20 mcg
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- at 0, 1, and 6 months
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 5 mcg
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- at 0, 1, and 6 months
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 20 mcg
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- at 0, 1, and 6 months
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
6 groupspregnancy
all trimestersstandard_dosing
recommended for pregnant women at risk of HBV infection; benefits outweigh potential risks
standard prenatal care
lactation
breastfeedingstandard_dosing
safe during breastfeeding; no contraindication
none
pediatric_age
infants and childrenage_appropriate_dosing
routinely recommended for all infants and children; part of standard immunization schedule
standard pediatric vaccination monitoring
geriatric
65 years and olderstandard_dosing
recommended for adults 60 and older at risk; may have reduced immune response
assess seroconversion if indicated
renal_impairment
chronic kidney diseaseenhanced_dosing_schedule
recommended for CKD and dialysis patients; may require higher doses or additional boosters for adequate protection
check anti-HBs titers periodically
hepatic_impairment
chronic liver diseasestandard_dosing
highly recommended for patients with chronic liver disease; helps prevent additional liver injury
standard monitoring
Statistics and clinical data
Commonly prescribed since
Recombinant Hepatitis B vaccines (Engerix-B, Recombivax HB) approved and available since 1986
Drug class
Hepatitis B vaccine is a recombinant DNA vaccine containing HBsAg
Common uses
Active immunization against HBV for all age groups
Protective efficacy
High efficacy in preventing chronic HBV infection and complications
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 22, 2026. · Read our editorial policy