hepatitis B pediatric vaccine

What is the most important information I should know about this vaccine?

Tell your child's doctor if he or she uses other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.

What is hepatitis B pediatric vaccine?

Hepatitis B is a serious disease caused by a virus. Hepatitis B causes inflammation of the liver, vomiting, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes). Hepatitis can lead to liver cancer, cirrhosis, or death.

The hepatitis B pediatric vaccine is used to help prevent this disease in children and teenagers.

The vaccine helps your child's body develop immunity to hepatitis B, but will not treat an active infection the child already has.

Vaccination with hepatitis B pediatric vaccine is recommended for all children beginning at birth, especially children and adolescents who are at risk of getting hepatitis B. Risk factors include: living with someone infected with hepatitis B virus; being born to a mother who is infected with hepatitis B; being on dialysis; living in a facility for developmentally disabled people; traveling to areas where hepatitis B is common; being an adolescent who has never received a hepatitis B pediatric vaccine during childhood.

Like any vaccine, the hepatitis B pediatric vaccine may not provide protection from disease in every person.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving this vaccine?

If your child has any of these other conditions, this vaccine may need to be postponed or not given at all:

• kidney disease (or if the child is on dialysis);
• a bleeding or blood clotting disorder such as hemophilia or easy bruising;
• an allergy to latex rubber; or
• a neurologic disorder or disease affecting the brain (or if this was a reaction to a previous vaccine).

Your child can still receive a vaccine if he or she has a minor cold. If the child has a more severe illness with a fever or any type of infection, your child's doctor may recommend waiting until the child gets better before receiving this vaccine.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How is this vaccine given?

The vaccine is injected into a muscle. Your child will receive this injection in a doctor's office or other clinic setting.

The hepatitis B pediatric vaccine is given in a series of shots beginning shortly after birth. The booster shots are sometimes given 1 to 2 months and 6 to 18 months after the first shot. If your child does not receive a birth dose, the vaccine series should begin as early as possible.

Your child's individual booster schedule may be different from these guidelines. Follow the doctor's instructions or the schedule recommended by your local health department.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Be sure your child receives all recommended doses of this vaccine. Your child may not be fully protected if he or she does not receive the full series.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of this vaccine is unlikely to occur.

What should I avoid before or after receiving this vaccine?

Follow the doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

What are the possible side effects of this vaccine?

Your child may feel faint after receiving this vaccine. Some people have had seizure like reactions after receiving this vaccine. The doctor may want your child to remain under observation for a short time after the injection.

Keep track of any and all side effects your child has after receiving this vaccine. When the child receives a booster dose, you will need to tell the doctor if the previous shot caused any side effects.

• breathing that stops during sleep;
• fever, chills, swollen glands.
• fussiness, irritability, crying for an hour or longer;
• unusual muscle weakness;
• changes in behavior; or
• severe skin reaction --fever, sore throat, swelling in the face or tongue, burning in the eyes, skin pain followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.

Common side effects may include:

• diarrhea, loss of appetite;
• feeling weak or tired;
• mild fussiness or crying;
• low fever; or
• runny nose.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call the doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report vaccine side effects to the US Department of Health and Human Services at 1-800-822-7967.

What other drugs will affect hepatitis B pediatric vaccine?

Other drugs may interact with hepatitis B pediatric vaccine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of the health care providers about all medicines your child uses now and any medicine your child starts or stops using.

Where can I get more information?

Your child's vaccination provider, pharmacist, or doctor can provide more information about this vaccine. Additional information is available from your local health department or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.