An Information Sheet of the American Liver Foundation . The information contained in this sheet is provided for information only. This information does not constitute medical advice and it should not be relied upon as such. ALF, under no circumstances, recommends particular treatments for specific individuals, and in all cases recommends that you consult your physician before pursuing any course of treatment.
Most people fight off the infection themselves.
There are over a million carriers of the hepatitis B virus in the United States and an estimated 200,000 people contract this serious liver disease each year. You can protect yourself against hepatitis B with a safe and effective vaccine . Hepatitis B vaccination shots are recommended for all newborns, infants and teenagers . Shots may be given at any age. Most cases of hepatitis B occur among sexually active young adults, therefore, teenagers are an important group to be vaccinated.