The Basics: Overview
Hepatitis B is a virus that spreads from person to person through blood, semen (cum), and fluids from the vagina. A mother with hepatitis B can also pass it to her baby at birth.
Some people who get hepatitis B can get rid of the virus. Others develop chronic hepatitis B – a lifelong infection that can lead to liver disease and even death.
To protect yourself and your family from hepatitis B:
- Make sure your children get the hepatitis B vaccine (shot). And ask your doctor if you need it.
- Get tested for hepatitis B if you are pregnant or if you are at risk for infection.
- Be safe when you travel to countries where hepatitis B is common.
Do I need the hepatitis B vaccine (shot)?
Hepatitis B can be prevented with a vaccine. The hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for:
- All babies at birth
- Anyone under age 19 who didn’t get the shots as a baby
- Adults who are at risk for hepatitis B
If you think you might be at risk for hepatitis B, talk with your doctor or nurse about getting the vaccine. Find out more about who needs to get the hepatitis B vaccine.
The Basics: Testing
Do I need to get tested for hepatitis B?
All pregnant women need to get tested for hepatitis B at their first prenatal doctor visit. Learn why the hepatitis B test is important for pregnant women [PDF - 859 KB].
Other people need to get tested if they are at risk for hepatitis B. You are at risk if you:
- Were born in a place where hepatitis B is common, like certain countries in Asia, South America, Africa, and the Caribbean
- Have parents who were born in a place where hepatitis B is common
- Are HIV-positive
- Use drugs with needles
- Live with someone who has hepatitis B
- Have sex with someone who has hepatitis B
- Are a man who has sex with men
- Get kidney dialysis treatments
The Basics: Treatment
Can hepatitis B be treated?
Yes. The treatment for hepatitis B depends on the type of infection. The 2 types of hepatitis B infection are acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term).
Acute hepatitis B
When people first get infected with hepatitis B, it's called acute hepatitis B. Many people with acute hepatitis B don't have any symptoms and don't need treatment. Some people have mild symptoms that might feel like the flu.
Only a few people with acute hepatitis B get very sick and need to go to the hospital. For many people, acute hepatitis goes away by itself within 6 months.
Children under age 6 who get acute hepatitis B are at high risk for developing chronic hepatitis. That's why the hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for all babies.
Chronic hepatitis B
Some people who get acute hepatitis B will develop a chronic hepatitis B infection. This means the infection will never go away. People with chronic hepatitis B may need to take medicine to help stop the virus from causing liver damage.
Take Action: Get the Shot
Take these steps to help protect yourself and your children from hepatitis B.
Get the hepatitis B vaccine (shot).
If you haven’t gotten the hepatitis B vaccine and you think you might be at risk for hepatitis B, talk with your doctor or nurse about getting the shot.
Use this locator tool to find a health center where you can get the hepatitis B vaccine.
People who’ve had hepatitis B in the past and recovered don’t need to get the vaccine.
Does my child need the hepatitis B vaccine?
Yes. The hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for all babies. It’s usually given as a series of 3 or 4 shots, starting at birth.
The hepatitis B vaccine is also recommended for children and teens who didn’t get the shots as babies. Read more about getting your child’s shots on schedule.
Take Action: Cost and Insurance
What about cost?
Under the Affordable Care Act, the health care reform law passed in 2010, health insurance plans must cover hepatitis B testing for:
- All pregnant women at their first prenatal visit
- Teens and adults who are at high risk
Plans must also cover hepatitis B shots for:
- All children
- Some adults, depending on their risk
If you have Medicare or private insurance, check to find out what’s included in your plan.
If you don’t have insurance, you still may be able to get free or low-cost services.
- Call your state health department to find a free or low-cost vaccination program.
- Find a health center near you to learn more.
For information about other services covered by the Affordable Care Act, visit HealthCare.gov.
Take Action: Get Tested
Get tested for hepatitis B if you are at risk.
You are at risk for having hepatitis B if you:
- Were born in a place where hepatitis B is common, like certain countries in Asia, South America, Africa, or the Caribbean
- Have parents who were born in a place where hepatitis B is common
- Are HIV-positive
- Use drugs with needles
- Live with someone who has hepatitis B
- Have sex with someone who has hepatitis B
- Are a man who has sex with men
- Get kidney dialysis treatments
Use this tool to see if you may need to get tested for hepatitis B. You can print out the results and take them with you to your next checkup.
Take Action: Travel Safely
Travel smart.
Hepatitis B is very common in some parts of the world. If you are planning a trip to an area where lots of people have hepatitis B, follow some basic steps for safe travel:
- See your doctor before your trip. Ask if you need the hepatitis B vaccine or any other shots.
- Use this tool to find out about health issues that are common in other countries.
- Get more tips on staying healthy when you travel.
Learn more.
To find out more about hepatitis B symptoms, testing, and treatment, check out these questions and answers about hepatitis B.
Content last updated February 5, 2020
Reviewer Information
This information on Hepatitis B was adapted primarily from materials from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Reviewed by:
Cynthia Jorgensen, DrPH
Team Lead, Education and Training
Division of Viral Hepatitis
National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD & TB Prevention
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
