Hepatitis B is a disease of the liver that is spread through blood or bodily fluids, sexual contact or sharing IV drug needles with an infected person, or during childbirth when the mother is infected. Hepatitis causes inflammation of the liver, vomiting, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes). Hepatitis can lead to liver cancer, cirrhosis, or death.

The hepatitis B vaccine is used to help prevent this disease in adults.

This vaccine helps your body develop immunity to the disease, but will not treat an active infection you already have.

Vaccination with hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for all adults who are at risk of getting hepatitis B. Like any vaccine, the hepatitis B vaccine may not provide protection from disease in every person.

Hepatitis B vaccine will not protect against infection with hepatitis A, C, and E, or other viruses that affect the liver. It may also not protect against hepatitis B if you are already infected with the virus, even if you do not yet show symptoms.

You should not receive this vaccine if you have ever had a life-threatening allergic reaction to any vaccine containing hepatitis B.

Tell your doctor or vaccination provider if you have or have ever had:

• lived with someone or had sexual contact with people infected with hepatitis B virus;
• diabetes, HIV or AIDS;
• used drugs injected into a vein;
• lived or worked in a facility for developmentally disabled people;
• worked in healthcare or public safety or being exposed to blood or body fluids;
• traveled to areas where hepatitis B is common;
• lived or worked in a correctional facility;
• being a victim of sexual abuse or assault;
• hepatitis C, chronic liver disease; or
• kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis).

This vaccine may need to be postponed or not given at all if you have:

• an allergy to yeast;
• an allergy to latex; or
• weak immune system (caused by disease or by using certain medicine).

You can still receive a vaccine if you have a minor cold. In the case of a more severe illness with a fever or any type of infection, wait until you get better before receiving this vaccine.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of this vaccine on the baby.

Use Hepatitis B Adult Vaccine (Engerix-B) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Keep track of all side effects you have. If you need a booster dose, you will need to tell the vaccination provider if the previous shot caused any side effects.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
• seizure-like muscle movements; or
• fever, swollen glands.

Common side effects may include:

• headache;
• muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness;
• tiredness; or
• redness, pain, swelling, or a lump where the shot was given.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report vaccine side effects to the US Department of Health and Human Services at 1 800 822 7967.

Follow your vaccination provider's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.