Disease it protects from

hepatitis B

Who should get this vaccine

Grade 6 students can get the hepatitis B vaccine as part of the school immunization program. If you were born in 1981 or later and did not get all the recommended doses in school, you can get the hepatitis B vaccine for free.

You should also get this vaccine if you are at risk for hepatitis B because of:

• certain health problems (such as liver or kidney problems)
• the type of work you do (such as some healthcare workers)
• your lifestyle (such as having unprotected sex or sharing needles)
• possible contact with the virus (such as after having contact with someone else’s blood)

Talk to a public health nurse to find out if you can get the hepatitis B vaccine for free.

You may also benefit from the vaccine if you travel to an area that has a high risk of hepatitis B. If you get the vaccine because of travel, it is not free. Learn more about vaccines for travel.

Check with your health insurance provider to see if your plan covers the cost.

Who should not get this vaccine

You may not be able to get this vaccine if:

• You have an allergy to any part of the vaccine.
• You had a severe (serious) or unusual side effect after this vaccine or one like it.

If you have allergies or have had a side effect from this vaccine in the past, check with your doctor or a public health nurse before you get the vaccine.

Although you can get the vaccine if you have a mild illness, such as a cold or fever, you should stay home until you are feeling better to prevent spreading your illness to others.

Doses

Students in Grade 6 need 2 doses, 6 months apart.

Most other people need 3 doses over 6 months.

If you have certain health problems, such as kidney problems, or you have had an organ or stem cell transplant, you may need more doses. Ask your healthcare provider how many doses you need.

Other vaccines that protect against the same diseases

There are 2 other vaccines that protect against hepatitis B.

• Twinrix protects against hepatitis A and B. People who travel often get this vaccine.
• DTaP-IPV-Hib-HB protects against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), polio, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) and hepatitis B. As part of the routine immunization schedule, babies get this vaccine starting at age 2 months.

Get the vaccine

Grade 6 students can get the vaccine in school. Grade 9 students who missed getting the vaccine at the usual time can also get it in school. Parents and guardians will get an information package that includes a consent form. If you want your child to get the vaccine in school, you must complete and sign the consent form and return it according to the instructions provided. Learn more about school immunization.

If you need the vaccine because of your work or what you study (such as some healthcare workers), talk to your workplace health and safety department or your student health services department.

If you can get this vaccine for free, contact your local public health or community health centre.

If you want the vaccine and need to pay for it, contact a travel health clinic or talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

How well it works

If you are healthy and get all the recommended doses, the protection for hepatitis B is 95% to 100%.

Safety

Vaccine safety is a top priority. Canada uses extremely safe vaccines. Learn more about vaccine safety in Canada, including how vaccines are monitored for continued safety, and ingredients in vaccines.

Side effects

There can be side effects from the hepatitis B vaccine, but they tend to be mild and go away in a few days. Side effects may include:

• redness, warmth, swelling, bruising, itching, or feeling sore where you had the needle
• a small lump where you had the needle
• feeling tired or unwell, or getting upset easily
• a headache
• a fever
• not feeling hungry or not wanting to eat (poor appetite)
• nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, or loose stool (diarrhea)
• a sore throat, cough, runny nose

At least 1 out of 100 people who got this vaccine reported 1 or more of these side effects. In some cases, it is unknown if the vaccine caused these side effects.

It is important to stay for 15 minutes after your vaccine. Some people may have a rare but serious allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. If anaphylaxis happens, you will get medicine to treat the symptoms.

It is rare to have a serious side effect after a vaccine. Call Health Link at 811 to report any serious or unusual side effects.

How to manage side effects

• To help with soreness and swelling, put a cool, wet cloth over the area where you had the needle.
• There is medicine to help with a fever or pain. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you're not sure what medicine or dose to take. Follow the directions on the package.
• Some people with health problems, such as a weak immune system, must call their doctor if they get a fever. If you have been told to do this, call your doctor even if you think the fever is from the vaccine.

There can be mild, short-term side effects after getting a vaccine. Find tips to manage these side effects at home.