Hepatitis B is a virus that spreads through infected blood or body fluids. For example, a person can get hepatitis B through sex, by injecting drugs, or by sharing equipment that has come into contact with blood — such as needles, syringes, and glucose monitors. Hepatitis B can also be passed to a baby during pregnancy or birth. 

Some people who get hepatitis B recover from the infection. Others develop chronic (long-term) hepatitis B — a lifelong infection that can lead to liver disease, liver cancer, and even death.

The good news is, there are steps you and your family can take to protect yourselves from hepatitis B — like by getting the hepatitis B vaccine and getting tested for hepatitis B.

Learn more about hepatitis B symptoms, testing, and treatment.

Who needs the hepatitis B vaccine?

Getting a hepatitis B vaccine is the best way to prevent hepatitis B. You can help protect yourself and your family by making sure everyone who needs the hepatitis B vaccine gets it:

• Make sure your baby get the hepatitis B vaccine when they’re born
• If you have babies or children age 18 years or younger who didn’t get the vaccine at birth, make sure they get it as soon as possible
• Get the hepatitis B vaccine if you’re between ages 19 and 59 years and haven’t been vaccinated yet
• Get the hepatitis B vaccine if you’re age 60 years or older and are at higher risk for hepatitis B infection — your doctor or nurse can help you understand your risk
• If you’re age 60 years or older but not at higher risk, you can still choose to get a hepatitis B vaccine if you want one

It’s also important to make sure you’ve had a hepatitis B vaccine before you travel to countries where hepatitis B is common. Check which vaccines are recommended for your destination.

If you’re not sure whether you need to get the hepatitis B vaccine, talk with your doctor or nurse. You can also read more about who needs to get the hepatitis B vaccine.

Who needs to get tested for hepatitis B?

All pregnant people need to get tested for hepatitis B at their first prenatal doctor visit for each pregnancy. Learn more about hepatitis B testing.

Other people also need to get tested if they're at higher risk for hepatitis B. For example, you're at higher risk if you: 

• Were born in a place where hepatitis B is common — like certain countries in Asia, South America, Africa, the Middle East, and the Caribbean
• Have parents who were born in a place where hepatitis B is common
• Use drugs with needles
• Live with or have sex with someone who has hepatitis B
• Are a man who has sex with men
• Are taking medicine that weakens your immune system
• Have been in jail or prison

You’re also at higher risk if you have certain health conditions, including:

• HIV
• Hepatitis C
• Kidney failure
• Chronic liver disease

If you're concerned about hepatitis B, you can talk with your doctor about getting tested — whether or not you have any of these risk factors. Your doctor can help you decide what's right for you.

Is hepatitis B treatable?

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 (short-term) hepatitis B

When people first get infected with hepatitis B, it's called acute hepatitis B. For some adults, acute hepatitis B never becomes a chronic infection.

Some people with acute hepatitis B don't have any symptoms and don't need treatment. Others have mild symptoms that might feel like the flu. When symptoms happen, they usually last a few weeks — though they can last longer. It’s also possible for people with acute hepatitis B to get very sick and need to go to the hospital.

Children under 6 years who get acute hepatitis B are at high risk for developing chronic hepatitis B. That's why all babies need to get the hepatitis B vaccine.

Chronic (long-term) hepatitis B

Some people who get acute hepatitis B 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 these steps to help protect yourself and your family from hepatitis B.

Get the hepatitis B vaccine.

If you haven’t gotten the hepatitis B vaccine, talk with your doctor or nurse about getting vaccinated.

Use this locator tool to find a health center where you can get the hepatitis B vaccine.

Keep in mind that if you’ve had hepatitis B in the past and recovered, you don’t need to get the vaccine.

If you have children, make sure they get the hepatitis B vaccine.

All babies need to get the hepatitis B vaccine. It’s usually given as a series of 3 or 4 shots, starting at birth.

Children and teens who didn’t get the shots as babies also need to get the hepatitis B vaccine. Read more about getting your child’s vaccines on schedule.

Get tested for hepatitis B.

Make sure to get tested for hepatitis B if you’re:

• Pregnant — Pregnant people should get tested for hepatitis B during each pregnancy.
• At higher risk for hepatitis B infection

What about cost?

Under the Affordable Care Act, 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 the hepatitis B vaccine for all children and adults. Depending on your insurance plan, you may be able to get these services at no cost to you. Check with your insurance company to find out more.

Medicare may also cover hepatitis B vaccines and testing for certain people at no cost. Use this tool to see what Medicare covers.

If you don’t have insurance, you may still be able to get free or low-cost hepatitis B screenings and vaccines. You can:

• Call your state health department to find a free or low-cost vaccination program
• Find a health center near you and ask about hepatitis B screenings and vaccines

Learn more about:

• Free preventive care for adults covered by the Affordable Care Act
• How the Affordable Care Act protects you
• Your health insurance and how to use it [PDF - 1.9 MB]

Hepatitis B is very common in some parts of the world. If you're 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 vaccines
• Use this tool to find out about health issues that are common in other countries
• Get more tips on staying healthy when you travel