Hepatitis B is a viral infection that primarily affects the liver, causing inflammation and potentially serious long-term complications. It can appear as an acute infection, lasting a few weeks, or as a chronic infection that may persist for years or a lifetime. The virus spreads through contact with infected blood or body fluids, such as from an infected mother to her baby at birth, unprotected sexual contact, sharing needles or personal items like razors, or unsafe medical procedures. Many people may not show any symptoms, but some can experience fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain, dark urine, pale stools, or jaundice. Chronic hepatitis B can lead to cirrhosis, liver cancer, liver failure, or a lifelong carrier state that increases the risk of transmission.
Vaccination is the best way to prevent Hepatitis B infection.
* Vaccination schedule varies in chronic kidney and other high risk patients. Consult a vaccine expert for more information in specific situations.
According to India’s National Immunization Schedule, the Hepatitis B vaccine is administered as a 0.5 ml intramuscular injection in the following schedule:
For adults who were not vaccinated in childhood or who are at higher risk of Hepatitis B infection, the vaccine is administered as a 1 ml intramuscular injection in a 3-dose schedule at 0, 1, and 6 months.
This standard schedule provides long-lasting protection.
For travelers or individuals requiring quicker protection, an accelerated schedule of 0, 1, and 2 months may be used, followed by a fourth dose at 12 months to ensure long-lasting immunity.
For patients with chronic kidney disease or other high-risk conditions, a 4-dose schedule of double-dose vaccine (2 ml per dose) is recommended at 0, 1, 2, and 6 months for optimal protection. Adults with high-risk exposure may need antibody testing after the vaccine series to confirm protection.
If you’ve missed your scheduled Hepatitis B vaccine, don’t worry—it's not too late! Adults can start the series at any age if not previously vaccinated.
Even if there is a delay between doses, the series does not need to be restarted—just complete the remaining doses as advised by your doctor / a vaccine expert.
The cost of Hepatitis-B vaccination depends on factors such as the type of vaccine, brand, manufacturer, applicable taxes and the vaccination service provider. On an average, the cost of Hepatitis B vaccination ranges between Rs 200 to Rs 1000 per dose.
Before receiving the Hepatitis B vaccine, ensure the following:
The Hepatitis B vaccine is safe and well-tolerated, but like any vaccine, mild and temporary side effects may occur.
Common & Mild Side Effects (Resolves in 1–2 Days)
Rare and preventable reactions:
In rare cases, some people may experience dizziness (Vasovagal response) – sitting and resting for 15 minutes post-vaccination helps prevent this. In extremely rare cases, severe allergic reaction (Anaphylaxis) may occur – Trained medical professionals can handle them effectively if needed.
Most people do not experience any significant side effects and get long-term protection against Hepatitis B after completing the recommended vaccination schedule.
Steps to take after vaccination:
✅ Resume normal activities immediately
✅ Take paracetamol if needed for mild fever or pain
✅ Apply an ice pack, if required, to reduce injection site discomfort
✅ Drink plenty of fluids and rest if feeling tired
Need guidance? Please contact INVC Vaccine expert for a free consultation.
Vaccination at home offers a convenient, accessible, and safe way to protect yourself and your family from Hepatitis B infection. It allows individuals to receive the vaccine in a comfortable and familiar environment, reducing anxiety or discomfort associated with clinic visits, especially for adolescents and individuals with busy schedules.
Opting for home vaccination services has several benefits:
At INVC – Apna Family Vaccination Centre, our expert vaccination team ensures a smooth and professional experience. We take care of end to end service - from expert consultation to cold-chain storage and transportation to safe administration and post-vaccination guidance.
Hepatitis B is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis B Virus (HBV).
HBV (Hepatitis B virus) spreads when blood, semen, or other body fluids from an infected person enter the body of someone who is not protected. The most common modes of transmission are:
HBV does not spread through hugging, kissing, handshakes, sharing food, water, or casual contact.
The incubation period ranges from 45 to 160 days (average 120).
About 7 out of 10 adults with acute Hepatitis B have signs or symptoms when infected with HBV. Children under age 5 years who become infected rarely show any symptoms. Signs and symptoms of Hepatitis B might include nausea, lack of appetite, tiredness, muscle, joint, or stomach pain, fever, diarrhoea or vomiting, headache, dark urine, light-coloured stools, and yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice). People who have such signs or symptoms generally feel quite ill and might need to be hospitalized.
Hepatitis B is very serious. About 9 out of 10 infants (who do not receive appropriate prophylaxis at birth), 30 out of 100 children younger than age 5, and about 2 of 100 adults who are infected with HBV are unable to clear HBV from their bodies and become chronically infected. This serious condition is discussed below. Even though people might eventually recover from their acute infection, a feeling of tiredness and poor health might last for months.
People with chronic Hepatitis B infection are infectious and can transmit it to others. Usually, chronically infected people do not feel sick and do not realize they are infected. They generally have Hepatitis B infection for their entire lives. They are also at high risk of developing chronic liver disease, including cirrhosis (scarring of the liver), liver failure, and liver cancer.
Worldwide, the medical consequences of chronic Hepatitis B infections are a huge problem. Approximately 350 million people around the world are chronically infected with Hepatitis B and approximately 1 million of these people die each year from cirrhosis leading to liver failure or liver cancer. The medical literature states that Hepatitis B is the 10th leading cause of death worldwide.
A blood test called IgM anti-HB is needed to diagnose acute hepatitis B. There are additional blood tests for hepatitis B that determine whether the infection is new, chronic, or if you are immune due to past infection or vaccination. These include:
· HBsAg (Hepatitis B surface antigen): Shows if the virus is currently present
· Anti-HBsAb (Hepatitis B surface antibody): Indicates recovery and immunity or successful vaccination.
If left untreated, Hepatitis B can cause:
· Chronic infection lasting a lifetime
· Cirrhosis (permanent scarring of the liver)
· Liver cancer (Hepatocellular carcinoma)
· Liver failure requiring a transplant
A person with acute or chronic Hepatitis B infection is contagious if they have the virus in their blood, which can only be determined by blood testing. In general, a person with acute Hepatitis B gets rid of the virus in their blood in six months. If this does not happen, it is likely the person will become chronically infected with Hepatitis B for life.
People living with chronic Hepatitis B should follow regular medical check-ups, take prescribed medicines without skipping doses, maintain a balanced liver-friendly diet, exercise regularly, avoid alcohol and smoking, and get vaccinated against Hepatitis A to prevent co-infection. Safe sex practices, not sharing personal items like razors or needles, and encouraging family testing and vaccination are crucial to prevent transmission. They must inform doctors before taking any medication, avoid unregulated herbal supplements, and never stop treatment suddenly. Blood or organ donation should be avoided, and regular monitoring is essential even if symptoms are absent. Most importantly, Hepatitis B patients should not isolate themselves socially, as the infection does not spread through casual contact.
If you think you've been exposed to Hepatitis B virus, don't delay, and consult your doctor. If you have not been vaccinated, it is recommended that you receive treatment with Hepatitis B immunoglobulins (HBIg). This is a blood product containing protective Hepatitis B antibodies for immediate, short-term protection. You should also get the first dose of Hepatitis B vaccine as soon as possible, preferably at the same time as the HBIg is given, but at a different site on your body. Following this, you will need to complete the full hepatitis B vaccine series (usually a total of three doses over a six-month period). It’s also recommended that your close household contacts receive Hepatitis B vaccination to prevent spread of infection to them.
Hepatitis A, B and C are different viruses that attack and injure the liver and can cause similar symptoms. Usually people get Hepatitis A infection from close contact with an infected person or from ingesting fecally-contaminated food or water. Hepatitis B and C are spread when an infected person's blood or blood contaminated body fluids enter another person's bloodstream. Hepatitis B and C infections can cause chronic liver problems, while Hepatitis A does not. There are very effective vaccines that can protect people from Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B infections. Currently, there is no vaccine to protect people from Hepatitis C infection. There are medications that are approved by the FDA for treatment of chronic Hepatitis B and C infections. If a person has had one type of viral hepatitis in the past, it is still possible to get the other types.
There are several Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved medications that might help a person who has chronic HBV infection. These medications don't usually get rid of the virus, but they might decrease the chance of the infected person developing severe liver disease. Not everyone is a candidate for these medications. Researchers continue to seek additional cures for Hepatitis B. There is no treatment (other than supportive care) for people with acute Hepatitis B.
While safe practices (using sterile needles, safe sex, screened blood transfusions) reduce the risk, they cannot eliminate it entirely. Only vaccination provides reliable, long-lasting protection.
· Anyone who missed vaccination during childhood
· Healthcare professionals, medical and nursing students
· Adults with diabetes, kidney disease, or weakened immunity
· People with multiple sexual partners or those at risk of STIs
· Adults with liver disorders or family history of Hepatitis B infection
· Travelers to countries with high rates of Hepatitis B
Yes. The vaccine is very safe and effective. Side effects are usually mild and temporary:
· Redness, pain, or swelling at the injection site
· Mild fever, headache, or tiredness
These usually resolve within 1–2 days. Serious allergic reactions are extremely rare.
· People who had a severe allergic reaction to a previous Hepatitis B vaccine dose.
Individuals allergic to yeast (a component used in the vaccine).
These people should consult a doctor for alternatives.
Yes. It is often given as part of the pentavalent vaccine in infants. It can also be safely administered alongside vaccines such as polio, rotavirus, and pneumococcal, without affecting effectiveness.
If a dose is missed, it should be taken at the earliest possible opportunity. The series does not need to be restarted; it can be continued from where it was left off.
You can get the Hepatitis B vaccination by making an appointment with your doctor. Alternatively, you can schedule an appointment at your nearest INVC Vaccination centre or request a home visit by the INVC Vaccination team to receive the vaccine at your convenience.
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