There are certain safeguards against hepatitis B
infection. If you are concerned about the possibility
of contracting hepatitis B, please ask your healthcare
provider what steps you can take to help prevent
infection, including behavior changes to reduce
your risk and vaccination.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC) has recommended that the three-dose vaccine
series be included in infant and childhood immunization
schedules. In addition, the CDC recommends vaccination
against hepatitis B for the following people:
> All 11-12 year-old
adolescents who have not already been vaccinated
> Adolescents
>12 years of age who may be at increased risk
for infection
> Sexually active
heterosexual adolescents and adults with more
than one sex partner in the previous 6 months
> Homosexual or
bisexual adolescents or adult men
> Household contacts
and sexual partners of someone with hepatitis
B, including infants, children, adolescents, and
adults
> Intravenous
(I.V.) drug users
> Persons at occupational
risk of infection through exposure to blood or
blood-contaminated body fluid
> Predialysis
and hemodialysis patients
Talk with your healthcare provider to determine
if vaccination against hepatitis B is appropriate
for you.
