The Hepatitis B Vaccine
The hepatitis B vaccine protects against hepatitis B, a liver disease. It can cause liver cancer. There is no cure.
It is spread by blood or body fluids, including sharing common items like nail clippers, razors or toothbrushes. Most people don't know they have hepatitis B until they show serious symptoms. It can take decades to show symptoms, but they can spread it to others long before then.
The vaccine has been available since 1981. It will prevent an estimated 38 million deaths for people born between 2000 and 2030.
North Carolina Requirements for Children and College/University Students
The hepatitis B vaccine is needed to enter child care programs, K-12 schools, and colleges and universities in North Carolina.
For younger children, the doses are usually given over two years:
- One dose by age 3 months.
- A second dose before age 5 months.
- A third dose before age 19 months.
Students starting college or university in North Carolina must have gotten three doses. If not, they are required to get them.
See the official details of North Carolina's dosage requirements, including the hepatitis B vaccine.
Recommended Doses for Others
See Hepatitis B Vaccine Administration (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).
Side Effects
The hepatitis B vaccine, like all vaccines, can cause side effects. Most of them are mild and temporary.
If side effects happen from the hepatitis B vaccine, they most often include soreness where the vaccine is given, headache, fever or feeling tired.
Trustworthy Resources for More Information
- Hepatitis B: The Disease and Vaccines (Children's Hospital of Philadelphia)
- Fast Facts: Global Hepatitis B Vaccination (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
- Hepatitis B Vaccine Information Sheet (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
Have questions about vaccines for your children?
As a parent, you want to make the best choices for your children. Doctors recommend vaccines because they protect your child from serious, preventable diseases. Many of these illnesses have no cure, so prevention is the best defense.
Vaccines are thoroughly tested, and serious side effects are extremely rare. Millions of children are safely vaccinated each year.
If you have questions, get real answers. Start a conversation with your doctor today.