Who should get the Hepatitis B vaccine?
A vaccine to prevent Hepatitis B has been available since 1982. It is safe and effective. The vaccine is given in 3 separate shots (after one dose you have some protection, after 2 doses more protection and after 3 doses most people are fully protected).
You can ask your doctor about getting tested or vaccinated for Hepatitis B. You can also get vaccinated at one of our Immunization Walk-in Clinics or search for vaccination and other medical services at a location in your borough
The Hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for the following people who are at an increased risk:
- infants born to mothers who have Hepatitis B;
- people who live in the same home as someone with Hepatitis B;
- all children at birth--learn more about Hepatitis B & Pregnancy;
- all adults who request protection from Hepatitis B infection
- injection drug users who share needles (get clean needles through one of the many needle exchange locations in NYC);
- health care and public safety workers at risk for exposure to blood or blood-contaminated body fluids;
- persons having sexual contact (vaginal, oral, or anal) with a person who is infected;
- men who have sex with men, particularly those with multiple partners;
people with multiple sexual partners; (free NYC Condoms are available at locations throughout NYC to help keep yourself safe and healthy).
- people who live in long-term care facilities (such as nursing homes, rehabilitation facilities, group homes) or staff of these facilities;
- hemodialysis patients;
- travelers to countries where hepatitis B is common if they are staying for more than 6 months.
Africa | all countries |
Asia | all countries |
Australia & South Pacific | all countries except Australia and New Zealand |
Middle East | all countries except Cyprus and Israel |
Eastern Europe | all countries except Hungary |
Western Europe | Malta, Spain, and indigenous populations
in Greenland |
North America | Alaska Natives and indigenous populations in Northern Canada |
Mexico & Central America | Guatemala and Honduras |
South America | Ecuador, Guyana, Suriname, Venezuela, and Amazonian areas of Bolivia, Brazil, Columbia, and Peru |
Caribbean | Antigua-Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Haiti, Jamaica, St. Kitts-Nevis, St. Lucia, and Turks and Caicos Islands |
A special Hepatitis B immune globulin is available for people who are exposed to the virus. In the event of exposure to Hepatitis B, consult a doctor or the health department to obtain the Hepatitis B immune globulin. Call 311 for more information.
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