Hepatitis B Vaccine – Importance and Schedule for Babies

Hepatitis B is a liver disease caused by the Hepatitis B virus or HBV. The virus can be transmitted from person to person in many ways, including blood transfusions, saliva, and other body fluids. It can be hard to pinpoint if your little one is infected as most people with Hepatitis B do not display any signs or symptoms, while other people experience high fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite and jaundiced skin. The disease is quite dangerous as around 20% of all infected children can develop dangerous conditions like liver cirrhosis or cancer over time. Hepatitis B infects 350 million people around the world, most of whom acquired it as children. While it is usually contracted through unsafe sexual intercourse, sharing drug needles in adults, from the mother to child, and pregnant women with Hepatitis B passing it to their babies during childbirth, most children are infected when they are born or in their first few years. Read on to learn about the vaccine for Hepatitis B.

What Is the Hepatitis B Vaccination?

Like all vaccinations, Hepatitis B vaccines can prevent infection by immunising the body against attack. The vaccine consists of degraded viral particles that cause the immune system to activate its defences against the Hepatitis B virus (1). The vaccination is provided by health organisations around the country as part of the routine vaccinations your child goes through. Please ensure you give your child the first dose immediately after birth.

Is Hepatitis B Vaccine Safe for Babies?

Hepatitis B vaccines are safe for all babies (2). However, some children might experience allergic reactions to the vaccine in very rare situations. These reactions are accompanied by fever, inflammation at the injection site, soreness, fatigue or pain, which will disappear soon after.

Because of this, it is crucial that you remain at the clinic for around an hour after your child gets the neonatal Hep B vaccine. On very rare occasions, anaphylaxis may occur, which is an allergic reaction that includes shortness of breath, oesophageal swelling, enlarged lips and mouth, rashes and so on. If any serious reactions appear after you leave the clinic, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Benefits of the Hepatitis B Vaccine to Your Child

There are several benefits associated with vaccinating your child against Hepatitis B. Some of them are (3):

• Protection against acquiring Hepatitis B, which can lead to serious complications.
• Prevents other people from getting Hepatitis B, as children without symptoms can inadvertently transmit the infection.
• Reduces the likelihood of developing liver conditions later in life.
• Your child will not have to miss school or have you miss work in order to take care of your child.

Side Effects of the Hepatitis B Vaccine

There are no long-term side effects of Hepatitis B or for that matter, any other vaccine. As already explained above, your child might experience a serious anaphylactic shock in extremely rare cases, the symptoms of which can include severe blistering, peeling, and red or purple skin rashes, shortness of breath, etc. Slight fever, fussiness, diarrhoea, etc. are mild side effects which should subside soon. Your baby might experience some discomfort due to the invasiveness of the method, but aside from this you need not have any concerns (4).

Recommended Dosage and Schedule

The Hepatitis B vaccine is given in doses, depending on the age of the child. Here’s the Hep B vaccine schedule (5).

1. Recommended Number of Doses

The Hepatitis B vaccine is given in a set of three doses, along with vaccinations for other illnesses such as whooping cough, polio, diphtheria, influenza and tetanus.

2. Recommended Ages

The IAP Committee on Immunisation has strongly recommended that the first dose of the Hepatitis B vaccine should be given as soon as possible after birth and especially within 24 hours. The second dose should be given along with DPT at 6 weeks and the third dose at 14 weeks. For babies who are not available at birth, vaccination should not be denied. In this situation, the second schedule of 6, 10 and 14 weeks is recommended.

How Long Do the Effects of the Hepatitis B Vaccine Last?

The effective time period of different vaccinations ranges from a few months to an entire lifetime. Research has shown that the immune system remembers the virus for at least two decades, for those vaccinated as newborns. After this time, one can get the vaccination once again as an adult.

How to Take Care of Your Child After the Hepatitis B Vaccination?

Getting vaccinated is a painful process, so make sure you cuddle and comfort your little one during and after the procedure. Also, be aware of any developing symptoms which might indicate an allergic reaction. You may use a cool cloth to soothe the pain from the injection as well.

What Is the Cost of the Hepatitis B Vaccine?

The Hepatitis B vaccine price varies by country and healthcare system. Here’s a clear breakdown:

Cost of Hepatitis B Vaccine in the US

Without Insurance:

• The out-of-pocket cost per dose can range from $50 to $150.
• Since the full vaccination series usually requires 3 doses, the total cost may range between $150 to $450.

With Insurance:

• Most insurance plans under the Affordable Care Act cover vaccines like Hepatitis B at no cost when given by an in-network provider.

At Pharmacies & Clinics:

• CVS MinuteClinic: Around $75 to $145 per dose
• Walgreens: Around $70 to $135 per dose
• Planned Parenthood & Local Health Departments: May offer low-cost or free options for those who qualify.

Cost of Hepatitis B Vaccine Globally

Low-Income Countries:

• Thanks to global health programs like GAVI (The Vaccine Alliance) and UNICEF, the vaccine is often provided free of charge or at very low cost (under $1 per dose), especially for infants and children.

Middle- and High-Income Countries:

• Prices range widely, but are generally $10 to $40 per dose in public healthcare settings.
• In private hospitals or clinics, prices can be higher — around $30 to $100 per dose.

Which Infants Should Avoid the Hepatitis B Vaccine?

Vaccination for Hepatitis B comes with a few warnings. If your child is sick, like with the flu, please let them recover fully before the vaccination procedure. Also, if they have displayed symptoms of allergy to previous vaccinations, or are allergic to baker’s yeast, please inform your doctor before getting the vaccination. The latter is because the Hepatitis B vaccine is prepared using baker’s yeast, and some residual yeast proteins might still be present in the vaccine solution.

Precautions to Be Taken While Giving the Hepatitis B Vaccine to Preemies

If you have a premature baby, there is no need to get them the Hepatitis B vaccine before they turn at least one month old. Consult with your child’s paediatrician about the ideal time for vaccination.

When to Consult a Doctor

You should consult your pediatrician in the following situations regarding your baby’s Hepatitis B vaccination:

• Missed or delayed doses from the standard schedule (birth, 1-2 months, 6-18 months)
• Severe fever (over 101°F/38.3°C) or allergic reactions (rash, swelling, breathing trouble)
• Premature birth or weak immune system in the baby
• Mother has Hepatitis B (needs special treatment at birth)
• Travel plans to high-risk areas before vaccination is complete
• Any concerns about side effects or vaccine safety

FAQs

1. Can the Hepatitis B vaccine interfere with newborn jaundice treatment?

No, the vaccine doesn’t affect jaundice treatment. It’s safe to give even during phototherapy as they work through different mechanisms.

2. Is the vaccine effective if given through breastmilk from a vaccinated mother?

No, antibodies in breastmilk provide temporary protection but don’t replace vaccination. Babies still need the full vaccine series for long-term immunity.

3. Should preterm babies receive the vaccine at their actual birth age or adjusted age?

Preterm babies should get the first dose at chronological birth age (within 24 hours), then follow the standard schedule based on actual age, not adjusted age.

4. Can the vaccine cause false positives on future Hepatitis B tests?

The vaccine itself cannot cause infection, but may temporarily show positive on HBsAg tests for 1-2 weeks post-vaccination. Confirmatory testing differentiates vaccine response from actual infection.

Vaccinating your baby is one of the most important things you can do to protect him against a wide variety of preventable illnesses. Certain vaccines have been linked to autism in children, but pay no heed to them as they have no scientific basis whatsoever and, in fact, there are a number of studies that disprove this link. Vaccines are completely safe and a crucial requirement for your child to lead a long healthy life.

Disclaimer: Vaccination prices referenced here vary with location. Please consult your paediatrician or registered medical store before making any purchase.

References/Resources:

1. CDC – Hepatitis B Vaccine

2. AAP Publications (Pediatrics) – Elimination of Perinatal Hepatitis B: Providing the First Vaccine Dose Within 24 Hours of Birth

3. Nemours Kids Health – Your Child’s Vaccines: Hepatitis B Vaccine (HepB)

4. Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia – Hepatitis B: The Disease & Vaccines

5. Indian Academy of Pediatrics – IAP Hepatitis B Immunization Schedule

Also Read:

Immunizing Your Newborn
Vaccination for Baby for Cold and Cough
Child Immunization & Vaccination Schedule