The vaccine is safe and so effective at preventing HBV and liver cancer that it is called “the first anti-cancer vaccine” by the World Health Organization.

If both your HBsAg and anti-HBs blood tests are negative, then you are not protected and should get vaccinated. Make sure your baby also gets vaccinated at birth.

The hepatitis B vaccine is a 3 shot series given over 6 months that can protect you for life.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control recommends hepatitis B vaccination for all infants at birth and previously un-vaccinated children up to 18 years of age.

Additionally, adult immunization is recommended for:

• Anyone seeking protection from the HBV infection
• Healthcare and public safety workers
• Household, sex, or needle-sharing contacts of persons infected with HBV
• Intravenous drug users
• Those with more than one sex partner
• Men who have sex with men
• Those infected with HIV and/or other sexually transmitted diseases
• Those with end-stage renal disease or chronic liver disease
• Travelers to regions where hepatitis B is common (Asia, Africa, South America, the Pacific Islands, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East)