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Print: Can hepatitis B be prevented?
The best way to prevent hepatitis B is to have protected sex (use a condom) and to avoid sharing needles.
A vaccine is available to prevent hepatitis B. It is now routinely given in the first year of life to all newborn infants. It is safe and requires 3 shots over a 6-month period. This vaccine should be given to people who are at high risk for this illness, such as health care workers, all children, people who travel to areas where the infection is widespread, drug users and those who have multiple sex partners.
A note about vaccines
Sometimes the amount of a certain vaccine cannot keep up with the number of people who need it. More info...
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Written by familydoctor.org editorial staff
Reviewed/Updated: 05/10
Created: 10/96
