Hepatitis B is a virus that attacks the liver, and can cause cirrhosis, and liver cancer. Initial symptoms of Hep B can be none! You might also have vague symptoms such as fever, vomiting, or nausea. Some people do develop the more severe symptoms of jaundice or enlarged liver. Although some people’s immune systems clear the virus, many will develop chronic infections.

Hepatitis B is spread through exposure to blood or certain body fluids. Although it can be spread sexually, during birth, or from IV drug use, it can also be spread by much less-exciting measures such as toothbrush, washcloth, or razor sharing! There are several reasons for this. First, lots of virus lives in every drop of blood, making even small amounts of blood not visible to the eye contagious. Second, the virus lives for a long time on surfaces, up to a week! And third, many people with Hepatitis B do not know that they are infected, thus the spread is even harder to control. Sadly, this means that even people who practice low risk lifestyles can be susceptible to Hepatitis B infection. I know I certainly shared a toothbrush with my bestie in high school despite my mom’s warnings against it. Gross? Yes. Common? Also yes.

Hepatitis B vaccines are a safe way to prevent infection in all age groups. Initially in the 1980s, the medical community tried a targeted approach to vaccinating only those at-risk populations. Sadly, because this virus can be spread to very low-risk people, this method didn’t work. Starting in 1991, vaccines became recommended for all infants and young children and since that time, the rates of Hepatitis B has declined significantly. This is what we want our vaccines to do!

We recommend all families receive the Hepatitis B vaccine for these reasons. Because even low-risk families can have exposures that we don’t expect, starting at very young ages.

Resources:

Want more information? Check out the vaccine information page at chop.edu for information on all of the childhood (and adult!) vaccines.

HealthyChildren.org - Why Do Babies Need the Hepatitis B Vaccine?
CHOP - Hepatitis B: The Disease & Vaccines
Johns Hopkins - Hepatitis B Vaccination is an Essential Safety Net for Newborns