VACCINE RESOURCE COMMITTEE

of the Edmonton Zone Medical Staff Association

View Full List of Vaccine Questions Here

Hepatitis 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 one 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 two weeks of last sexual exposure. The benefit of HBIg when given more than seven 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