hepatitis b vaccine and why you need it

Hepatitis B is a serious liver disease caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Hepatitis B virus is spread through
contact with blood or certain body fluids of an infected person. If you get hepatitis B, you may or may not
have symptoms. Symptoms can last several weeks and may include yellowing of the skin and eyes, nausea,
fever, fatigue, belly pain, and dark urine. Sometimes hepatitis B virus stays in your body for years and causes
long-lasting illness (chronic hepatitis B virus infection) that can lead to liver damage, liver cancer, and death.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends hepatitis B vaccine for all persons
0–18 years of age. CDC also recommends hepatitis B vaccination for all adults who are in risk groups for
hepatitis B virus infection, as well as for any adults who want to be protected from hepatitis B. You don’t
have to say that you are in one of the risk groups (listed below) to be vaccinated against hepatitis B

Some people in risk groups should be tested for hepatitis B, depending on the person’s particular situation.
If you’ve been infected with hepatitis B in the past and then get vaccinated, the vaccination will not hurt you,
it just won’t help. Talk to your healthcare provider