HEPATITIS B VACCINE – DOSAGE & SCHEDULE 

The WHO has recommended that Hepatitis B vaccine be included in Universal Immunization Program in all countries.

The Indian Academy of Pediatrics (I.A.P) has included HBV in our Routine Immunization Schedule.

• Hepatitis B vaccine is strongly recommended irrespective of age.
• Dose:

o    Children less than 10 years: 0.5 ml (10 µg)

o    Above 10 years: 1 ml (20 µg)

• It is given by Intramuscular (IM) route at sites other than the buttocks.
• A single booster dose is advised 5 years after primary immuization.

Regular Schedule

3 doses at 0, 4 – 6 weeks and 6 months.

Schedule For Newborns

• 0 (at birth), 6 weeks and 14 weeks.
• If for some reason, it could not be given after birth; the schedule – 6 weeks, 10 weeks & 14 weeks can be followed.
• For all practical purposes, this schedule gives life long immunity

Schedule for babies born to HbsAg* positive mothers

• 1^st Dose: Immediately after birth. Hepatitis B specific Immunoglobulin is also given simultaneously (preferably within 12 hours of birth) but at a different site.
• 2^nd Dose: 6 weeks
• 3^rd Dose: 14 weeks

If HBIG is not available at birth, it is recommended to follow a 4 dose schedule for optimal protection of these babies:

• 1^st Dose: At birth
• 2^nd Dose: 6 weeks
• 3^rd Dose: 14 weeks
• 4^th Dose: 12 months

* Screening test to detect Hepatitis B infection is HbsAg or Australia antigen. Positive test denotes infection with the virus.