Hepatitis B
CVS Pharmacy
MinuteClinic®
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
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.htm
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.htm
Like to learn more?
Visit www.cdc.gov/vaccines
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#vaccFAQ. (Accessed: 18 June 2016)
WHO | Hepatitis A. WHO Available at: https://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs328/en/. (Accessed: 18 June 2016)
Hepatitis B Information | Division of Viral Hepatitis | CDC. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hbv/. (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.