Hepatitis B adult vaccine

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, or if you are allergic to baker's yeast.

If you have any of these other conditions, your vaccine may need to be postponed or not given at all:

• multiple sclerosis;

• kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);

• a bleeding or blood clotting disorder such as hemophilia or easy bruising;

• an allergy to latex rubber; or

• a neurologic disorder or disease affecting the brain (or if this was a reaction to a previous vaccine).

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.

It is not known whether this vaccine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while receiving the series of hepatitis B vaccines.

It is not known whether hepatitis B vaccine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

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