Hepatitis B Prevention

Prevention

Hepatitis B can be prevented with a vaccination . It consists of three injections. They are given over six months. Protection is not complete without all three. Anyone at increased risk for hepatitis B should be vaccinated.

In addition, to prevent the transmission of hepatitis B:

• Use condoms or abstain from sex.
• Limit your number of sexual partners.
• Do not inject drugs. If you use IV drugs, get treatment to help you stop. Never share needles or syringes.
• Do not share personal items that might have blood on them, such as:
  • Razors
  • Toothbrushes
  • Manicuring tools
  • Pierced earrings
• If you get a tattoo or body piercing, make sure the artist or piercer properly sterilizes the equipment. You might get infected if the tools have someone else's blood on them.
• If you are a healthcare or public safety worker:
  • Get vaccinated against hepatitis B.
  • Always follow routine barrier precautions and safely handle needles and other sharp instruments.
• Wear gloves when touching or cleaning up body fluids on personal items, such as:
  • Bandages
  • Band-aids
  • Tampons
  • Linens
• Cover open cuts or wounds.
• Use only sterilized needles for drug injections, blood testing, ear piercing, and tattooing.
• If you are pregnant, have a blood test for hepatitis B. Infants born to mothers with hepatitis B should be treated within 12 hours after birth.