Hepatitis B vaccine

The hepatitis B vaccine provides protection against hepatitis B infection. The vaccine is given as an injection into the upper arm in older children and adults and into the thigh in infants. 

Provided as part of the New Brunswick Routine Immunization Schedule, the hepatitis B vaccine is available to:

• all infants and children as a three-dose schedule
• individuals exposed to the virus through close contact of persons with the hepatitis B infection
• individuals with specific health conditions or circumstances that place them at greater risk of hepatitis B 

Although not funded through the Public Health Immunization Program, the Hepatitis B vaccine is also recommended for the following, at a cost from a travel clinic or pharmacy: 

• people who work in environments where they may be exposed to blood or body fluids
• travelers to regions where hepatitis B is common

Hepatitis B may be offered alone or as a combined vaccine. 

Multiple vaccines can be given at the same time. This means earlier protection against multiple diseases and fewer appointments. Receiving multiple vaccines at the same time is safe and does not compromise the effectiveness of each vaccine.

The hepatitis B vaccine protects you from the virus and its serious complications, including chronic liver disease, liver cancer and liver failure. By getting immunized, you also help reduce the transmission of the virus to those around you.

The vaccine should not be given if you or your child had a severe allergic reaction to the vaccine in the past or is allergic to any ingredient in the vaccine or its container.

Inform your immunization provider if you or your child has any health problems or allergies.

The hepatitis B vaccine is well tolerated. Reactions are generally mild and include irritability, redness, headache, fatigue and pain where the vaccine was given.  For mild reactions, a cold compress at the injection site may reduce discomfort.  Ask a health-care provider what medicine is best to reduce fever.  

With any vaccine, there is an extremely rare possibility (less than one in a million people) of a life-threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. For this reason, it is important to remain in the clinic for 15 minutes after receiving the vaccine. Signs of this reaction may include rash, difficulty breathing or swelling of the throat, tongue or lips. This reaction can be treated. Seek immediate medical attention if you have left the vaccination site and develop serious symptoms.

If your or your child experiences unusual reactions to the vaccine or you have any questions or concerns, please contact your primary care provider, pharmacy, Public Health office or Tele-Care (811).

Children needing their primary series of this free vaccine can receive it through their local Public Health office or primary care provider.

If you have been identified as a close contact of an infected person with hepatitis B and need to be vaccinated, your local Public Health office will provide the vaccine.  

Other individuals who qualify for the vaccine can receive it at a primary care provider.  

Those who would like the vaccine for travel purposes can receive it at a cost from a travel clinic or local pharmacy.

Vaccination records for people aged 16 and older are available by registering online at MyHealthNB. To access your immunization record, please register or sign in to your account.

The paper record of immunization provided when vaccinated will continue to be the official record. Keep your immunization record in a safe place.

If the information on your record is incorrect or you received immunizations outside of New Brunswick and want them added, send an email to  [email protected].

Immunizations administered prior to 1991 may not be readily accessible in MyHealthNB.  If your vaccination record is not available at MyHealthNB, contact the place you received your vaccines.