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
- 1st Dose: Immediately after birth. Hepatitis B specific Immunoglobulin is also given simultaneously (preferably within 12 hours of birth) but at a different site.
- 2nd Dose: 6 weeks
- 3rd 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:
- 1st Dose: At birth
- 2nd Dose: 6 weeks
- 3rd Dose: 14 weeks
- 4th Dose: 12 months
* Screening test to detect Hepatitis B infection is HbsAg or Australia antigen. Positive test denotes infection with the virus.