Hepatitis B vaccinations are recommended for all newborns, infants and teenagers. Most cases of hepatitis B occur among sexually active young adults. Therefore, teenagers are an important group to be vaccinated. This is a targeted population but the vaccine may be given at any age. This vaccine provides immunity for most people for at least five years and possibly longer.
Many physicians have the vaccine available.
Public health departments may also have vaccine available for a nominal fee. Hepatitis vaccine is only for people who are not infected chronically. Once infected, the vaccine is of no use. This does not apply to people acutely exposed, infected newborns or those infected by needle sticks. Please contact your physician or other health care professional if you have any questions.