What is hepatitis B Immune Globulin?

HBIG is an injectable medication that provides antibodies to

fight the hepatitis B virus (HBV). HBIG works with the body's natural 

defenses to prevent or make an HBV infection less severe. Babies 

exposed to HBV during pregnancy and at birth get an injection of 

HBIG to protect them until they can complete the hepatitis B vaccine 

series. HBIG provides only temporary protection and does not

replace hepatitis B vaccine.

What is hepatitis B and how it is spread?

Hepatitis B is the most common serious liver infection in the 

world. Chronic infection occurs in 80%-90% of infected infants. 

Chronic hepatitis B is a lifelong infection that can lead to: 

• Liver damage (cirrhosis)

• Liver cancer

• Early death 

HBV spreads through contact with an infected person’s blood or 

other body fluids. The virus can pass from mother to baby during

pregnancy and at delivery.

Why does your baby need HBIG?

A baby whose mother is infected with HBV can become infected 

during pregnancy and at delivery. Because of the risk that an 

infected newborn could develop chronic hepatitis B, any baby 

born to a mother who is or who might be infected should receive 

HBIG. 

• A baby whose mother is known to have hepatitis B 

should receive HBIG soon after birth. 

• A baby weighing less than 2,000 grams (4.4lbs) born to 

a mother who might be infected with HBV also should 

receive HBIG soon after birth. 

Why does your baby also need hepatitis B vaccine?

Because their immune systems are not fully developed at birth, 

babies can catch serious infections in their first months of life. The 

possibility that an HBV infection could turn into chronic hepatitis B 

means that even more care is needed to keep your baby protected. 

Any baby born to a mother who has hepatitis B or who might have 

an undiagnosed HBV infection should receive both 

HBIG and all recommended doses of hepatitis B vaccine. 

HBIG provides immediate protection that lasts 4 to 6 months, 

time enough for the vaccine to help build a baby’s natural 

defenses. 

How can you protect your baby from hepatitis B?

Your baby should get both HBIG and the first dose of hepatitis B 

vaccine within 12 hours of being born.

In the months that follow, your baby should get either: 

• 2 doses of a vaccine that protects against hepatitis B only

(a single-antigen vaccine for a total of 3 doses). 

or 

• 3 doses of a vaccine that protects, against hepatitis B plus 

other infections (e.g., a combination vaccine for a total of 4 

doses).

If your baby weighed less than 2,000 grams (4.4lbs) at birth and 

is completing the hepatitis B vaccine series with single-antigen 

vaccine, your baby should get a total of 4 doses. 

Your baby should receive their last dose of hepatitis B vaccine at 

24 weeks of age (6 months). At 9-12 months of age, your baby 

should be tested to see if they are protected from hepatitis B. 

How well does HBIG work?

HBIG is 71% effective at preventing hepatitis B from being 

passed to a baby during birth. When HBIG is combined with

the hepatitis B vaccine birth dose, effectiveness rises to 94%.

What are the side effects of HBIG?

Serious side effects related to HBIG are rare. As with any 

injection, a baby who receives HBIG might have temporary pain, 

redness, or swelling where the injection was given, or feel general 

discomfort or pain.

 *Reference: MMWR, January 12, 2018, Vol 67, (1);1–31, Prevention of Hepatitis B Virus Infection in the United States:

Recommendations of the Advisory Committee Immunization Practices. https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/67/rr/rr6701a1.htm

 Hepatitis B Immune Globulin (HBIG): What Parents Need to Know

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