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Overview: Hepatitis B vaccine is used to prevent hepatitis B. It works by triggering the body’s immune response to make a type of protein (antibodies) against the hepatitis B virus. Common side effects include pain and soreness near the injection site, fever, headache, tiredness, weakness, irritability, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and runny nose or stuffy nose. The hepatitis B vaccine is injected into a muscle by a health care provider.

Uses

What is hepatitis B vaccine used for?

The hepatitis B vaccine is commonly used to prevent hepatitis B, a liver disease that can cause illness ranging from mild and short-term to serious and lifelong. Acute hepatitis B is a short-term illness. It can cause fever; tiredness; loss of appetite; nausea; vomiting; jaundice (your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color); and muscle, joint, and stomach pain. Chronic hepatitis B is a long-term illness that happens when the hepatitis B virus remains in the body. Although many people with chronic hepatitis B do not have symptoms, hepatitis B can cause liver damage, liver cancer, and death. People with chronic hepatitis B can spread the virus to others through blood, semen, or other body fluids.

How does hepatitis B vaccine work (mechanism of action)?

The hepatitis B vaccine works by triggering the body’s immune response to make a type of protein (antibodies) against the hepatitis B virus. If you have antibodies against this virus, your body is better able to fight it, which may help prevent you from getting sick.

How should I store hepatitis B vaccine?

The hepatitis B vaccine is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. You will not store it at home.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of hepatitis B vaccine?

The most common side effects of the hepatitis B vaccine are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Pain and soreness near the injection site
  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Tiredness
  • Weakness
  • Irritability
  • Diarrhea
  • Loss of appetite
  • Runny or stuffy nose

There may be other side effects of the hepatitis B vaccine that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of hepatitis B vaccine?

While less common, the most serious side effects of the hepatitis B vaccine are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. The hepatitis B vaccine may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Get emergency help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use hepatitis B vaccine?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not receive the hepatitis B vaccine.

  • Engerix-B
  • Hepatitis B vaccine, recombinant
  • HepB
  • Heplisav-B
  • PreHevbrio
  • Recombivax HB
  • Yeast
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product received

Your health care provider can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific hepatitis B vaccine products they stock.

What should I know about hepatitis B vaccine before using it?

The hepatitis B vaccine is given on a specific schedule. Follow all vaccine recommendations given by your health care provider. 

This vaccine protects against hepatitis B, but not other types of hepatitis such as hepatitis A. This vaccine can help prevent infection, but it is not 100% effective. If you have hepatitis B at the time of vaccination, the vaccine will not work.

The risk of dizziness or fainting, which may lead to a fall, is the highest within a few minutes after receiving the hepatitis B vaccine. Your health care provider may want to watch you for this time to ensure your safety.

What should I tell my health care provider before using hepatitis B vaccine?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if the hepatitis B vaccine is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Fever or recent illness
  • A weak immune system, get infections easily, or take medicines or treatments that suppress the immune system (such as radiation or chemotherapy)
  • Kidney problems, including pre dialysis or dialysis
  • Premature birth

Latex Allergy. Some hepatitis B vaccine products may contain natural rubber latex. Tell your health care provider if you are allergic to latex.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how the hepatitis B vaccine could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if the hepatitis B vaccine passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should receive the hepatitis B vaccine while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does hepatitis B vaccine interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between the hepatitis B vaccine and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect the hepatitis B vaccine.

Does hepatitis B vaccine interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between the hepatitis B vaccine and other medicines. Always tell your health care provider about all recent and upcoming vaccines, any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much hepatitis B vaccine?

If you or someone else has used too much hepatitis B vaccine, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of hepatitis B vaccine?

If you miss an appointment for your hepatitis B vaccine, call to make another appointment as soon as possible. It is important to follow the vaccine schedule recommended by your health care provider.