Hepatitis B (HBV) in Children

Illustration of the  anatomy of the biliary system
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What is hepatitis B (HBV)?

Hepatitis B is a disease of the liver caused by the hepatitis B virus. Hepatitis B has a wide range of clinical presentations. It can be mild, without symptoms, or it may cause chronic hepatitis. In some cases, when infants and young children acquire hepatitis B, they are at high risk for chronic liver disease and liver failure. Transmission of hepatitis B virus occurs through blood and body fluid exposure such as blood, semen, vaginal secretions, or saliva. Infants may also develop the disease if they are born to a mother who has the virus. Infected children often spread the virus to other children if there is frequent contact (i.e., household contact) or a child has many scrapes or cuts. The following describes persons who are at risk for developing hepatitis B:

  • children born to mothers who have hepatitis B





  • children who require dialysis for kidney failure



Why is hepatitis B a concern?


Hepatitis B immunization:

A vaccine for Hepatitis B does exist and is now widely used for routine childhood immunization. Children currently receive the first vaccine between birth and 2 months, the second vaccine at 1 to 4 months and the third vaccine at 6 to 18 months. The vaccine is generally required for all children born on or after January 1, 1992, before they enter school. The vaccine is available for older children who may have not been immunized before 1992 and is recommended before age 11 or 12. Hepatitis B vaccine will prevent this disease. Three doses are needed for full and lasting immunity. Hepatitis B vaccine may be given at the same time as other vaccines.

  • Infants of mothers that have hepatitis should receive hepatitis B immune globulin and the hepatitis B vaccine in the first 12 hours of birth.

  • Infants of hepatitis B-negative mothers can receive the first dose up to 2 months of age.



  • Catch-up immunization may occur between 7 to 18 years of age.

What are the risks from hepatitis B vaccine?

A vaccine, like any medication, is capable of causing serious problems, such as severe allergic reactions. The risk of hepatitis B vaccine causing serious harm, or death, is extremely small. Persons who have a life-threatening allergy to baker's yeast should not receive the hepatitis B vaccine.


  • soreness in the location where the shot was given, lasting a day or two

  • fever

  • serious allergic reaction (very rare)


  • Give your child an aspirin-free pain reliever, as directed by your child's physician.

  • Watch for signs of reaction such as high fever, difficulty breathing, behavior change, fast heart rate, or dizziness. Report these or any other unusual signs immediately to your child's physician.


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