【Major points】

1. Hepatitis B vaccine is a synthetic inactive vaccine that is effective in preventing hepatitis B infection.
2. All newborns are recommended to receive a three-dose series vaccination scheduled at birth, 4 weeks and 6 months old.
3. Infants who are born weighing less than 2000 grams (2 kg) ,with respiratory problems, a congenital deformity or other serious illnesses  are not recommended to get Hepatitis B vaccination.
4. It is common to have a mild fever and/or soreness or swelling at injection site after vaccination.
5. Rest and hydration are recommended after vaccination.

What is hepatitis B vaccine?

It’s an artificial inactive vaccine genetically engineered to prevent hepatitis B infection.

When is it necessary to get vaccinated?

1. All children should get the first dose within 24 hours after birth.
2. The second dose at 1 month old, and the third dose at 6 months old, for three doses in total.
3. It’s recommended to use intramuscular injection with a 0.5cc dosage.

 

What are the contraindications?

1. Infants born weighing less than 2000 grams (2 kg).
2. People who have respiratory problems, heart function impairment, severe jaundice (total bilirubin >15mg/ml).
3. Coma, seizures or other severe illnesses.
4. Congenital deformity or severe organ impairment.
5. Acute fever.

What do you need to care about having vaccinated?

1. Adverse effects rarely happen. Localized soreness is the most common adverse situation.
2. Swelling and redness of injection site may happen after vaccination. 
3. Mild fever may also occur.
4. Drink plenty of water and get more rest after vaccination.

1. Cheng, Z. Y., Wu, Y. L.& Lin,F.Y.(2021). Pediatric care of Infectious Diseases. In Chen, Y.Z. (Ed.), Practical pediatric care (9th ed., pp274-286). Hua Xing press.
2. Health Promotion Administration, Ministry of Health and Welfare. (2022). Children’s Health Handbook. Health Administration, Ministry of Health and Welfare.
3. Wang Y. T.. .& Wu, B.L. (2022). Vaccination to prevent infectious diseases, in Huang, G.J.(Ed.), Tourism Medicine Clinical Work Manual Travel Guidelines in the Post-Epidemic Era (pp58-65). CDC.Taiwan & NTUH press.