Hepatitis B

You can Reference protect yourself against hepatitis B infection by avoiding contact with the body fluids of someone whose health and sexual history aren't known to you. To prevent infection:

• Use a condom when you have sex.
• Do not share needles.
• Do not share toothbrushes or razors.
• Wear latex or plastic gloves if you have to touch blood.
• Don't get a tattoo unless you are sure the needles have been cleaned properly and are sterile.

Hepatitis B vaccine

The hepatitis B vaccine is the most effective way to prevent infection. The vaccine is up to 95% effective against hepatitis B if you receive all the shots in the vaccination series (3 or 4 shots given at different times).^{Reference 2}

The vaccine provides protection against infection for at least 20 years.^{Reference 3} A Reference combination vaccine for hepatitis A and B also is available.

Vaccination is recommended for certain groups of people (What is a Reference PDF Opens New Window document?), such as health professionals, people who have more than one sex partner, and people who have certain illnesses.

Discuss vaccination with your doctor even if you aren't in one of the recommended groups. In the United States, about 15 out of 100 of those who become infected don't know how they got infected.^{Reference 4}

In some cases, a doctor will order Reference postvaccination testing to make sure you have developed immunity to the virus. People who need this testing include those who have an Reference impaired immune system Opens New Window or those who are health care workers or sex partners of people who have chronic infection.

If you are exposed to the virus before you have received all of the shots in the vaccination series, you may be given a dose of Reference hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) soon afterward. In most cases, this will prevent infection until the vaccine takes effect.

If you have had sex with someone who has hepatitis B and you haven't received all doses of the hepatitis B vaccine, you should receive a shot of HBIG—in addition to continuing the vaccine series—within 14 days of being exposed to the virus.

Avoiding spreading the virus if you have it

If you are already infected, you can take steps to Reference prevent spreading the virus to others. This includes not donating blood and not sharing razors or other toiletries.

For more information on prevention, see:

• Reference Immunizations.
• Reference Exposure to Sexually Transmitted Infections.

© 1995-2011, Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.