Hepatitis B Vaccination for Pre-Exposure Protection
To ensure effective pre-exposure protection against Hepatitis B virus (HBV), a series of three injections is recommended. The schedule includes an initial dose, followed by doses at 1–2 months and 4–6 months. This protocol helps ensure the development of sufficient antibodies to protect against HBV.
In addition, we now offer the Heplisav-B® (HepB-CpG) Vaccine, which requires only a two-dose series. These doses are administered at least 4 weeks apart and are available at our third-party Occupational Health Clinic.
HEPLISAV-b(HEPB-CPG) VACCINE
Blood Testing for Hepatitis B Diagnosis
Hepatitis B can be diagnosed through a simple blood test, which can be done at your doctor’s office or local health clinic. The test results help determine if you:
- Are currently infected with Hepatitis B,
- Are protected (through vaccination or recovery from a past infection), or
- Are still at risk of infection.
It’s important to request the “Hepatitis B Panel”, which includes three components but requires only one blood sample. This panel provides a full picture of your status, including whether you are:
- Infected with HBV,
- Protected from HBV, or
- At risk for HBV infection.
Always ask for a copy of your blood test results to fully understand your health status.
Recommendations Based on Hepatitis B Titer Results
If a Hepatitis B Titer (anti-HBs titer) indicates that you are non-reactive, this means your antibody levels are below the protective threshold, and you are not immune to HBV.
This could occur due to:
- Lack of prior exposure to the virus,
- Incomplete or ineffective vaccination, or
- Waning immunity over time.
Next Steps Based on Titer Results:
If Unvaccinated:
- Begin the Hepatitis B vaccination series (3 doses over 6 months or the 2-dose Heplisav-B series if applicable).
If Previously Vaccinated:
- Administer a Hepatitis B booster dose.
- Retest the titer 1–2 months after the booster to confirm immunity.
- If still non-reactive, complete a second series of the vaccine (typically 3 doses) and retest.
If Non-Responsive to Vaccination:
- If non-reactive after completing two full vaccine series, the individual is considered a “non-responder.” In such cases:
- Provide counseling on their risk of HBV infection.
- Encourage preventative measures, such as safe needle practices and avoiding blood exposure.
- Conduct further testing for chronic HBV infection with HBsAg (Hepatitis B Surface Antigen) to rule out undetected active infection.
Occupational Health Considerations:
- For individuals in healthcare or other high-risk environments, follow workplace policies for non-immune individuals. This includes post-exposure prophylaxis in the event of HBV exposure.
Hepatitis B Testing in the U.S.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all adults aged 18 and older be screened for Hepatitis B at least once in their lifetime.
Testing is widely available through various providers:
- Primary care clinicians can test for Hepatitis B.
- The Hep B United campaign provides free or low-cost testing across the U.S. Visit Hep B United Local Campaigns for more information.
- Use the CDC’s database to find testing centers near you by searching at Get Tested.
Taking proactive steps to understand your immunity or infection status is essential for protecting your health and preventing the spread of Hepatitis B.
