Basics about Hepatitis B Vaccination
Hepatitis is an infectious virus that affects the liver. The three most common types are: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C. A long-lasting infection from Hepatitis B and C can lead to liver disease. There is a vaccine to prevent Hepatitis A and B but not a vaccine to prevent Hepatitis C.
You can get Hepatitis B through blood and other body fluids of infected people with Hepatitis B, if you have sexual contact with a Hepatitis B infected person or share needles and syringes.. There are three shots given over six months to prevent hepatitis B. All three shots are needed for long-term protection.
What You Can Do
Talk to your doctor about being screened and vaccinated for Hepatitis B. You can prevent hepatitis by practicing good hand hygiene, safe sex, not sharing needles and being careful around blood or body fluids of people with hepatitis.
