Hepatitis B Vaccine

Advocare Haddon Pediatric Group provides the Hepatitis B Vaccine for children in Haddon Heights and Mullica Hill, New Jersey. Contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.

What is the Hepatitis B Vaccine?

The Hepatitis B Vaccine can prevent a child from contracting Hepatitis B, a liver disease that can cause mild illness lasting a few weeks, or a serious, lifelong and life-threatening illness. Vaccines, also called immunizations, have shown to be effective at equipping the immune system to recognize and fight off specific viruses and pathogens. The Hepatitis B Vaccine can help the body fight against the Hepatitis B virus and prevent the disease from developing in the body. The normal schedule for the Hepatitis B Vaccine starts at birth and is completed by 6-9 months. It is generally given in a 3 or 4 dose series over that time.

Benefits of Hepatitis B Vaccine

Getting your child the Hepatitis B Vaccine has many benefits:

Can prevent Hepatitis B. The biggest benefit of the vaccine is that it can prevent your child from getting Hepatitis B. If the virus were to be introduced into the body, the immune system will recognize it and eliminate it before it can cause symptoms. This prevents damage to the liver and other symptoms caused by the disease, including liver cancer.
Low side effects and risks. Hepatitis B, like other vaccines, has very low risks and side effects. Typical side effects include soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site, fever, and mild rash. Contact your doctor if any more serious side effects occur.
Can last for 30 years or more. Once a child has been fully vaccinated against Hepatitis B, the immunity can last for 30 years or more. This means that if the vaccine is received in infancy, the immunity can last into adulthood.

Should Your Child Get the Hepatitis B Vaccine?

At Advocare Haddon Pediatric Group we recommend that all children receive complete immunizations according to the schedule recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This includes the Hepatitis B Vaccine. Hepatitis B is a serious illness that can have lifelong effects. Chronic Hepatitis B can cause liver failure, liver cancer, or cirrhosis of the liver. But the complete series of the vaccine can prevent infection.

Why Choose Advocare Haddon Pediatric Group?

We believe in providing the highest quality healthcare for children, which is why we recommend vaccinations. Prevention is always preferable to treatment, especially when it comes to serious diseases. When all children receive immunizations according to the schedule recommended by the CDC, some disease can be completely eradicated. Advocare Haddon Pediatric Group only accepts patients whose parents are willing to have them vaccinated. This helps keep all of our patients safe and healthy.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Hepatitis B Vaccine given?

The Hepatitis B Vaccine is given in multiple doses starting at birth and finishing by 6-9 months. It may be given in 3 or 4 doses at varying intervals during infancy. But just because a child has missed a dose or has not received the vaccine according to schedule, does not mean they can’t get it. You can be vaccinated at any age.

Are there any risks to the Hepatitis B Vaccine?

As with any medical procedure there are some risks, however, they are minimal. The biggest risk is allergic reaction, which are exceedingly rare.

What’s the difference between Hepatitis A, B, and C?

All three hepatitis viruses cause a disease that affects the liver. Hepatitis A tends to be more short lived, whereas B and C can cause long term infection. There are vaccines for both A and B, but not for C.

How long has the Hepatitis B Vaccine been around?

The first vaccine for Hepatitis B was developed and available in 1982. Having been in use for 40 years, there has been plenty of time to study the vaccine and confirm its effectiveness and safety.

Is the Hepatitis B Vaccine covered by insurance?

Most insurance providers and plans include coverage for the Hepatitis B Vaccine series along with the rest of the standard immunizations that are recommended by the CDC.

To learn more, contact us today and schedule an appointment.