Hepatitis B is a serious disease caused by a virus that attacks the liver. The virus, which is called hepatitis B virus (HBV), can cause lifelong infection, cirrhosis (scarring) of the liver, liver cancer, liver failure, and death.

Hepatitis B vaccine is available for all age groups. The hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for all infants, all children or adolescents younger than 19 years of age who have not been vaccinated, all adults aged 19 through 59 years, and adults aged 60 years or older with risk factors for hepatitis B infection. Adults who are 60 years or older without known risk factors for hepatitis B may also receive a hepatitis B vaccine.

It's strongly advised for workers whose job duties may expose them to infectious agents, such as blood, body fluids, or tissues from humans or non-human primates, to receive the Hepatitis B (HBV) vaccine. This recommendation applies to laboratory personnel, healthcare professionals, and custodial staff. While employees can choose to decline the HBV vaccine, those who do must fill out a Hepatitis B Vaccine Declination Form for their employment records.

For effective pre-exposure protection, a series of three injections (initial, then at 1-2 and 4-6 months) is suggested to ensure the development of sufficient antibodies against the HBV. Additionally, we now offer the Heplisav-B® (HepB-CpG) Vaccine, which requires a two-dose series. This vaccine is available at our third-party Occupational Health Clinic, with the two doses administered at least 4 weeks apart. For comprehensive details on this vaccination schedule, please visit the CDC's official page here:

Heplisav-B (HepB-CpG) Vaccine