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Hepatitis B vaccination is one of the most effective methods for preventing HBV infection. Vaccination programs are available for both children and adults. There are also vaccination recommendations for special situations during pregnancy and after babies are born. Below are details on how to get the Hepatitis B vaccine.

1. General Vaccination Program

Newborns and Infants

  • At Birth (0th Dose): The baby should be vaccinated with Hepatitis B within the first 24 hours after birth.
  • 1-2 Months (1st Dose): The second dose should be administered 1-2 months after the first dose.
  • 6-18 Months (2nd Dose): 6-18 months after the second dose The third dose should be administered.

This program provides early protection against Hepatitis B virus in infants.

Children and Adolescents (Unvaccinated)

  • 0. Month (1st Dose): The first dose is administered.
  • 1-2 Months (2nd Dose): The second dose is administered 1-2 months after the first dose.
  • 6-18 Months (3rd Dose): The third dose is administered 6-18 months after the second dose.

Adults (Unvaccinated)

  • 0. Month (1st Dose): The first dose is administered.
  • 1 Month (2nd Dose): The second dose is administered 1 month after the first dose.
  • 6 Months (3rd Dose): The third dose is administered 6 months after the first dose.

2. Specific Vaccination for Risk Groups

Healthcare Workers and High-Risk Adults

  • 0. Month (1st Dose): The first dose is administered.
  • 1 Month (2nd Dose): The second dose is administered 1 month after the first dose.
  • 6 Months (3rd Dose): The third dose is administered 6 months after the first dose. dose is given.

People with Chronic Liver Disease and Immunosuppressed People

The vaccination schedule for people in this group is the same as the standard schedules above, but since the immune response may be lower, additional doses or monitoring of the immune response may be required.

3. Pregnancy and Hepatitis B Vaccine

Vaccination During Pregnancy

  • Hepatitis B vaccination is safe and can be given during pregnancy.
  • Vaccination is recommended for pregnant women who are HBsAg negative but at high risk (for example, those who have a partner who is an HBV carrier or who work in high-risk occupations).

HBV Positive Mothers

  • Hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) and Hepatitis B vaccine should be administered to babies of HBsAg positive mothers immediately after birth (within the first 12 hours).
  • These babies should follow the standard vaccination schedule (0, 1-2, 6-18 months).

4. Control of Immune Response

  • After vaccination, it is recommended to control anti-HBs levels in certain risk groups (e.g. healthcare workers, those with chronic liver disease, immunocompromised individuals).
  • If anti-HBs levels do not show sufficient protection (below 10 mIU/mL), additional doses can be administered.

5. Post-Vaccination Follow-up

  • After completing the vaccination program, it may be necessary to check whether the immune response is maintained in the long term in some cases. Regular follow-up and additional doses may be given if necessary, especially in immunocompromised individuals.

Side Effects of Hepatitis B Vaccine

Hepatitis B vaccine is generally considered safe and side effects are rare. Possible side effects may include:

  • Soreness and redness in the area where the shot was given
  • Slight fever
  • Fatigue
  • Headache

Severe side effects are very rare, but any abnormal In case of a reaction, a health professional should be consulted immediately.

Hepatitis B vaccination is extremely important for both individual protection and public health. Regular monitoring of vaccination programs plays a critical role in preventing the spread of Hepatitis B infection and its complications.