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Hepatitis B

CVS Pharmacy

Schedule a vaccination

MinuteClinic®

Schedule a visit

Most insurance accepted

Select markets only*

How are CVS Pharmacy® and MinuteClinic® different?

At CVS Pharmacy, vaccinations for adolescents through seniors are administered by a certified immunizing pharmacist. Age and state restrictions apply.* No appointment necessary.

At MinuteClinic, vaccinations for children (18 months and older in most states) through seniors are administered by a medical provider. View wait times and schedule a visit online, or walk in anytime.

CVS Pharmacy and MinuteClinic are also at Target Target logo

Hepatitis B Vaccine

What is hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B is a serious, potentially fatal liver disease, but there is a vaccine that can prevent it in most people.

Hepatitis B is caused by the Hepatitis B virus (HBV). The virus can live outside of the body for 7 days at most, so most people get it directly from touching blood and fluids from people who have the virus. Common ways for the virus to spread include:

  • Accidental needle sticks
  • Direct contact with blood or open sores of an infected person
  • Having sex with an infected person
  • Sharing drug equipment (needles, syringes, etc.)
  • Sharing razors or toothbrushes with an infected person

Newborn babies are at risk of getting Hepatitis B if their mothers have the virus. Hepatitis B is not spread through food, water, breastfeeding, hugging, coughing or sneezing.

Some people are at a higher risk of getting hepatitis B because of their job, a health condition or where they live. People who have a higher risk should get the vaccine if they have not done so already. Examples of people who have a higher risk of getting hepatitis B are:

  • Health care workers
  • Infants born to infected mothers
  • Recreational injection (IV) drug users
  • Men who have sex with men
  • People on dialysis (kidney treatment)
  • Public safety workers
  • Sex partners of people who have the virus
  • Travelers to countries with high rates of Hepatitis B virus infection

What about the hepatitis B vaccine?

The best way to prevent Hepatitis B is to get vaccinated. The Hepatitis B vaccine is now given to most babies at birth, but many adults have not had it. A member of our CVS pharmacy® team or a MinuteClinic® provider can talk with you about your risk for getting Hepatitis B and answer your questions about the vaccine. They can also administer the vaccine if you decide it is right for you.

How long is the hepatitis B vaccine good for?

Studies indicate the hepatitis B vaccine can last for at least 30 years in healthy individuals vaccinated after 6 months of age.*

*Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hbv/hbvfaq.htmExternal site

Who should get the hepatitis B vaccine?

  • All infants

  • Unvaccinated children up to 19 years of age

  • Adults ages 19 to 59 years of age

  • Adults ages 60 years of age and older with risk factors for hepatitis B*

*Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hbv/hbvfaq.htmExternal site

Like to learn more?

See All Vaccinations

Visit www.cdc.gov/vaccinesExternal site

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

HBV FAQS for Health Professionals | Division of Viral Hepatitis | CDC. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hbv/hbvfaq.htm#vaccFAQExternal site. (Accessed: 18 June 2016)

WHO | Hepatitis A. WHO Available at: https://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs328/en/External site. (Accessed: 18 June 2016)

Hepatitis B Information | Division of Viral Hepatitis | CDC. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hbv/External site. (Accessed: 18 June 2016)

*In select states. Visit MinuteClinic.com for details.

*Vaccinations vary by state based on regulations. Age restrictions apply. See Immunization Scheduler for details.


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