Hepatitis B vaccine
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The hepatitis B (HepB) vaccine's offered to all babies as part of the 6-in-1 vaccine. Additional doses are offered to babies whose mothers have hepatitis B.
What's hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a virus that infects the liver. Many people with hepatitis B have no symptoms at all and don’t know they're infected. Others have flu-like symptoms and yellowing of the skin (jaundice).
Hepatitis B infection can only be identified by a blood test. Many adults with hepatitis B recover fully but about 1 in 10 adults can remain infectious and spread the infection to others. About 1 in 5 of this group could develop serious liver disease later in life.
Why should a baby be vaccinated?
Hepatitis B infection can be passed from an infected mother to her baby. Babies born to mothers with hepatitis B are at high risk of developing hepatitis B themselves. The best way to help protect a baby against hepatitis B is to immunise them from birth.
Which babies are eligible for the vaccine?
From October 2017, the hepatitis B vaccine became part of the routine immunisation programme offered to all babies at 8, 12 and 16 weeks through the 6-in-1 vaccine.
As well as this, extra doses are offered to babies at birth who were born to mothers who have hepatitis B or live in a house where someone is infected with the virus.
When will my baby be immunised?
All babies are offered the 6-in-1 (DTaP/IPV/Hib/HepB) vaccine when they're 8, 12 and 16 weeks old as part of their routine baby vaccines. This vaccine protects against 6 diseases including hepatitis B (HepB).
Babies born to mothers who've been diagnosed with hepatitis B need extra doses of the vaccine for full protection. In addition to the doses offered to all babies at 8, 12 and 16 weeks, these babies will also be offered extra doses at birth, 4 weeks and 12 months. A blood test at 12 months to check for hepatitis B infection will also be offered.
It's very important that an eligible baby is given the first dose of the vaccine in the hospital at birth. You'll be informed by letter where and when you'll get the additional immunisations. If you're unsure please contact your midwife, health board or GP.
Find out how to contact your health board regarding your vaccination appointment
If you’re unsure about anything, or have any questions about the hepatitis B vaccine, contact:
The vaccine
The hepatitis B vaccine is the best way to protect a baby from hepatitis B.
What vaccine is used?
All babies are offered the 6-in-1 vaccine at 8, 12 and 16 weeks old. This vaccine helps protect against HepB. The vaccines used in Scotland for the 6-in-1 programme are the Infanrix hexa, powder and suspension for suspension for injection and Vaxelis injections.
Babies born to mothers with hepatitis B (or who live in a house where someone is infected with the virus) will be offered additional doses of hepatitis B vaccine, either Engerix B or HBVAXPRO.
How effective is the vaccine?
If a baby is fully immunised, they have a 95% chance of being protected from hepatitis B for life.
Course of immunisation
The full course consists of:
|
Dose |
Timing |
|
First |
At birth |
|
Second |
At 4 weeks |
|
Third |
At 8 weeks* |
|
Fourth |
At 12 weeks* |
|
Fifth |
At 16 weeks* |
|
Sixth |
At 12 months |
*The doses at 8, 12 and 16 weeks are offered to all babies as part of the 6-in-1 vaccine in the routine immunisation programme.
If the baby's mother has been diagnosed with hepatitis B, the baby will need a blood test at 12 months to check for hepatitis B infection.
How do we know the vaccine is safe?
All medicines (including vaccines) are tested for safety and effectiveness by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). The vaccine meets the high safety standards required for it to be used in the UK and other European countries. The vaccine has been given to millions of people worldwide.
Once they're in use, the safety of vaccines continues to be monitored by the MHRA.
After the vaccine
After the vaccination there may be side effects, but these are usually mild.
Vaccines protect a baby against the risk of very serious infections and should not be delayed because of concerns about side effects.
Side effects
The baby may get a little redness, swelling, or tenderness where the injection was given. This will disappear on its own.
Fever can be expected after any vaccination. Fevers are usually mild, so you only need to give a dose of infant paracetamol if the child isn’t comfortable or is unwell. Read the instructions on the bottle very carefully.
Ibuprofen can also be used to treat a fever and other post-vaccination reactions. Read the instructions on the product packing very carefully. Giving ibuprofen at the time of vaccination to prevent a fever is not effective.
Remember, never give medicines that contain aspirin to children under 16.
In infants who do develop a fever after vaccination, the fever tends to peak around 6 hours after vaccination and is nearly always gone completely within 2 days.
Read more about treating a fever in children
Immediate action required: Phone 999 immediately if:
- the child is having a fit
If you think the child might be seriously ill, trust your instincts and seek urgent medical advice.
Urgent advice: Phone your GP immediately if the child:
- has a temperature of 39°C or above
- still has a fever 48 hours after vaccination
- you are concerned about their health
If your GP practice is closed, phone the 111 service.
Read more about the common side effects of immunisations that might occur in babies and young children up to 5 years of age.
Further information and other languages/formats
More information on the side effects of vaccinations can be found in this leaflet, available in multiple languages and formats:
