Yes. HCP should not be discriminated against because of their hepatitis B status. All HCP should practice standard precautions, which are designed to prevent HBV transmission, both from patients to HCP and from HCP to patient. There is, however, one caveat concerning HBV-infected HCP. Those who have HBV levels 1000 IU/mL or 5000 genomic equivalents/mL or higher should not perform exposure-prone procedures (for example, gynecologic, cardiothoracic surgery) unless they have sought counsel from an expert review panel and been advised under what circumstances, if any, they may continue to perform these procedures. For more information on this issue, see “Updated CDC Recommendations for the Management of Hepatitis B Virus–Infected Health-Care Providers and Students,” MMWR, 2012; 61(RR03):1–12. This document is available at www.cdc.gov/mmwr/pdf/rr/rr6103.pdf.
Last reviewed:
July 21, 2023
Although routine transportation of vaccines to different facilities is not generally recommended, there are times when this is necessary. CDC recommends transporting COVID-19 vaccine in unopened vials or manufacturer-filled syringes (MFS) and always with a continuous temperature monitoring device to ensure adherence to authorized storage times and temperatures. See the product package insert or EUA Fact Sheet for Healthcare Providers for details on permissible conditions for transport.
Last reviewed:
November 16, 2024
Yes. HepB vaccines have been demonstrated to be safe when administered to infants, children, adolescents, and adults. Since 1982, well over 100 million people, including infants, children, and adults living in the United States have received at least one dose of HepB vaccine; more than a billion doses of HepB vaccine have been given worldwide. Vaccination causes a sore arm occasionally, but serious reactions are very rare.
Last reviewed:
July 21, 2023
Many years of experience with Engerix-B and Recombivax HB vaccines indicate no apparent risk for adverse events to a developing fetus. Current vaccines contain noninfectious HBsAg and pose no risk to the fetus. If the mother is being vaccinated because of a risk factor for HBV infection (for example, a healthcare worker, a person with a sexually transmitted disease, an injection drug user, a person with multiple sex partners), vaccination should be initiated as soon as the risk factor is identified during the pregnancy. HBV infection during pregnancy might result in severe disease for the mother and chronic infection for the newborn.
There are no clinical studies of Heplisav-B or PreHevbrio during pregnancy. Available human data on these products administered during pregnancy are insufficient to assess vaccine-associated risks in pregnancy. Until safety data are available for Heplisav-B or PreHevbrio, providers should continue to use Engerix-B, Recombivax HB, or Twinrix for individuals needing hepatitis B vaccination during pregnancy.
Last reviewed:
July 21, 2023
No. Administration of HepB soon after birth has not been associated with an increased rate of elevated temperatures or subsequent evaluations for possible sepsis in the first 21 days of life.
Last reviewed:
July 21, 2023
A serious allergic reaction to a prior dose of HepB or a vaccine component is a contraindication to further doses of HepB. Engerix-B, Recombivax HB, Twinrix, and Heplisav-B are synthesized in yeast cells into which a plasmid containing the gene for HBsAg has been inserted. People with a severe allergic reaction to yeast should not be vaccinated with vaccines produced in yeast cells. PreHevbrio is produced in mammalian cells and may be used (in the absence of other contraindications) in an adult with a severe allergic reaction to yeast.
As with other vaccines, vaccination of people with moderate or severe acute illness, with or without fever, should be deferred until the illness improves. Vaccination is not contraindicated in people with a history of multiple sclerosis, Guillain-Barré syndrome, or autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus or rheumatoid arthritis.
Last reviewed:
July 21, 2023
All hepatitis B-containing vaccines should be stored at refrigerator temperature at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). The vaccines must not be frozen. Any vaccine exposed to freezing temperature should not be used. Do not use these or any other vaccines after the expiration date shown on the packaging. Any vaccine administered after its expiration date should be repeated.
Last reviewed:
July 21, 2023
