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Hepatitis B Vaccine

What is hepatitis B?

The hepatitis B virus is a preventable infection that can cause short and long-term liver disease. It spreads when bodily fluids like blood from an infected person enter another person's body. Hepatitis B is also good at surviving outside the human body and can live on a contaminated surface (like a needle) for at least 7 days. While many newly infected people may not show any symptoms, those who get them notice the following:

  • Dark urine or clay-colored stools
  • Tiredness
  • Fever
  • Joint pain
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Stomach pain
  • Yellowing skin or eyes (jaundice)

Hepatitis B has two types: acute hepatitis B (short-term) and chronic hepatitis B (long-term.) 

  • Acute hepatitis B - Usually occurs within 6 months of exposure. It can be mild, develop into chronic hepatitis B, or lead to hospitalization.
  • Chronic hepatitis B - A life-long infection that can cause serious health problems with left untreated, like liver damage, liver cancer, and death.

The best way to prevent hepatitis B is by getting vaccinated, which is safe and effective!


How does the hepatitis B vaccine protect Southwest Florida?

The hepatitis B vaccine has been recommended in the US since 1981 and continues to be a safe and effective way of preventing hepatitis B in the Southwest Florida community. It plays an important role in protecting the average SWFL resident from hepatitis B, especially since half of all cases in 2022 were recorded among people aged 40-59.

Hepatitis B Vaccine FAQ

The hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for all infants, children, and adults who haven't been vaccinated already. Adults older than 60 should get vaccinated when they have risk factors for hepatitis B. These come in two or three shots, depending on the brand used. Your doctor or pharmacist will tell you what the vaccination schedule is for the brand you receive. To be fully protected, you must complete the entire series.

You only shouldn't get vaccinated in exceptionally rare circumstances where your healthcare provider recommends against it. Getting vaccinated is especially important for protecting people who otherwise can't because it reduces the number of people capable of spreading hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccines are safe and effective and often have no side effects. The commonly reported side effect is soreness where the shot was injected.

Clinical pharmacists are available to answer your vaccine questions on Lee Health's MyChart portal.

If you don't have a MyChart account, signing up is quick and easy!

The information on this page was last verified in August of 2024.

For the latest updates on the Chickenpox Vaccine, check out the CDC's website on Vaccines and Preventable Diseases.

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Protect yourself from preventable diseases!