Prevention

There is a vaccine against the hepatitis B virus (Engerix-B, Recombivax HB). It is safe and works well to prevent the disease. A total of 3 doses of the vaccine are given over several months.

• This vaccine has successfully prevented infection in people exposed to the virus.
  
• The vaccine is recommended for all children younger than 19 years. It can be given as part of their normal vaccination series.

The following groups should be vaccinated for hepatitis B:

• All children younger than 18 years, including newborns--especially those born to mothers who are infected with HBV
  
• All health care and public safety workers who may be exposed to blood
  
• People who have hemophilia or other blood clotting disorders and receive transfusions of human clotting factors
  
• People who require hemodialysis for kidney disease
  
• Travelers to countries where HBV infection is common - This includes most areas of Africa, Southeast Asia, China and central Asia, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, the Pacific Islands, and the Amazon River basin of South America.
  
• People who are in prison
  
• People who live in residential facilities for developmentally disabled persons
  
• People who inject illegal drugs
  
• People with chronic liver disease such as hepatitis C
• People who have multiple sex partners or have ever had a sexually transmitted disease
  
• Men who have sex with men

Hepatitis B immune globulin (BayHep B, Nabi-HB) is given along with the hepatitis B vaccine to unvaccinated people who have been exposed to hepatitis B.

• These include close contacts of people with HBV infection, health care workers who are exposed to HBV-contaminated blood, and infants born to mothers infected with HBV.
  
• It also includes people who have finished only part of the 3-shot vaccination series.
  
• Giving the immune globulin and the vaccine together in these situations prevents transmission of the disease in 80–90 percent of cases.

Other ways to protect yourself from HBV infection:

• If you are sexually active, practice safe sex. Correct use of latex condoms can help prevent transmission of HBV, but even when used correctly, condoms are not 100% effective at preventing transmission. Men who have sex with men should be vaccinated against both hepatitis A and hepatitis B.
  
• If you inject drugs, don't share needles or other equipment.
  
• Don't share anything that might have blood on it, such as a razor or toothbrush.
  
• Think about the health risks if you are planning to get a tattoo or body piercing. You can become infected if the artist or piercer does not sterilize needles and equipment, use disposable gloves, or wash hands properly.
  
• Health care workers should follow standard precautions and handle needles and sharps safely.
  
• If you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant, tell your health care provider if you have any of the risk factors for HBV infection.