VACCINE RESOURCE COMMITTEE

of the Edmonton Zone Medical Staff Association

View Full List of Vaccine Questions Here

Hepatitus b Vaccine Question #1:

Can a person vaccinated for hepatitis B still get the disease?

It is possible as the vaccine is 95-100% effective.

Pre-exposure

When provided according to the recommended schedule, HB-containing vaccine is 95% to 100% effective in preventing chronic infection for at least 30 years following immunization.

Post-exposure

HB vaccination and 1 dose of HBIg administered within 24 hours after birth are 85% to 95% effective in preventing infection in HB exposed neonates. HB vaccine is highly effective in preventing HB infection when provided within one week of percutaneous or mucosal exposure to HB-positive blood, or within two weeks of sexual exposure to HB-positive persons. A single dose of HBIg is 75% effective if administered within 2 weeks of last sexual exposure. The benefit of HBIg when given more than 7 days after percutaneous or mucosal exposure, or more than 14 days after sexual exposure is unknown.

Sources:

Government of Canada: Hepatitis B vaccines: Canadian Immunization Guide