Communicable Diseases and Epidemiology
Hepatitis B and the safety of hepatitis B vaccine
Hepatitis B is a serious bloodborne infection caused by the hepatitis B virus. Hepatitis B is one of several types of hepatitis, including hepatitis A and hepatitis C, that cause inflammation or injury of the liver.
In the United States, more than one million people are chronically infected with hepatitis B, which means they have this infection for a lifetime. An estimated 200,000 are newly infected with hepatitis B each year.
About 1/3 of chronic hepatitis B infections in the U.S. come from infected infants and children. More than 4,000 people die every year in the U.S. from liver disease caused by hepatitis B, including liver cancer.
Will I feel sick if I have hepatitis B?
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Hepatitis B can cause abdominal pain, fever, nausea, and yellowing of the eyes or skin, called jaundice. However, persons infected with hepatitis B are not always aware that they have this disease because they may not have any symptoms or feel ill.
How do people get hepatitis B?
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Hepatitis B is spread through contact with infected blood or body fluids. Hepatitis B is 100 times easier to spread than HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.
Hepatitis B can be spread from a mother to her baby during the birth process, through unprotected sexual intercourse, and through sharing of intravenous drug equipment.
Hepatitis B can also be spread by sharing items contaminated with the blood of an infected person, including nail clippers, razors, toothbrushes, tattooing needles and dye, and acupuncture needles.
Is there a vaccine to prevent hepatitis B?
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Yes, an effective vaccine to prevent this serious infection has been available since 1981. A series of three shots given over 6 months will protect most people from getting hepatitis B, and from the related liver diseases that can develop in persons infected with this virus.
Is hepatitis B vaccine safe?
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Hepatitis B vaccine is a very safe and effective vaccine. There is absolutely no risk of developing hepatitis B disease from the vaccine.
Hepatitis B vaccine has been safely given to more than 20 million people in the U.S. and more than 500 million people worldwide. The most common side effects of the vaccine are a slight fever and localized pain where the shot is given.
Are there any side effects of hepatitis B vaccine?
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Serious side effects following vaccination with hepatitis B are rare. There is no confirmed scientific evidence that hepatitis B vaccine causes chronic illness, including multiple sclerosis, chronic fatigue syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, or autoimmune disorders. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are studying the rare reports of illness related to hepatitis B vaccine and continually monitor vaccine safety.
What are the current recommendations regarding hepatitis B vaccine?
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The U.S. Public Health Service, The American Academy of Pediatrics and the World Health Organization all recommend that all children, and any adult who potentially may have exposure to hepatitis B infection, be vaccinated.
How can I get more information about hepatitis B and the safety of hepatitis B vaccine?
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CDC's National Immunization Information Hotline at 1-800-232-2522 (for English) and 1-800-232-0233 (for Spanish) or visit the following internet website: www.cdc.gov/nip
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key links:
 Disease Fact Sheets
Facts and FAQs about reportable diseases in Washington State including publications and reports.
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Free or Low-Cost Health Insurance
If you are currently not insured for medical care, visit our Affordable Health  Care webpages to see if you qualify.
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 King County Needle Exchange Program
Needle exchange is designed to reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS and other blood-borne infections among injection drug users, their families and communities.
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 Safe, legal and free disposal of sharps
Drop off your container of used sharps at a Public Health Clinic, syringe drop box, recycling and disposal station or your local Needle Exchange.
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Plain Talk About Child Immunizations
Facts about  childhood immunization; vaccine preventable disease, vaccine safety, the immune system and how vaccines work, legal requirements, and more.
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 Travel Clinics
When you're traveling abroad, a travel assessment by the travel clinic nurse provides information and emphasizes the best ways to prevent travel-related illnesses.
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