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hepatitis B > vaccinations

Get FREE vaccines if you are in Boston!

There is a safe and effective vaccine produced by Merck (Recombivax HB) or GlaxoSmithKline (Engerix-B ) which protects you from hepatitis B for life. It is the FIRST ANTI-CANCER VACCINE. The vaccine is given in the form of three shots over a period of six months (see schedule below). The vaccine only works if you have not been infected with hepatitis B. All babies born in the United States since 1991 should have received the vaccine. Many states also have school entry laws that require hepatitis B vaccinations.

Children 18 and under can qualify for Free vaccines from CDC's Vaccines for Children program if they:

  • Are eligible for Medicaid
  • Have no health insurance
  • Are Native American or Alaska Native, or
  • Have health insurance, but it does not cover immunizations AND they go to a Federally Qualified Health Center or Rural Health Center

Adults should check with their physician or local health department which sometimes have walk-in clinics that provide vaccines at discounted rates and programs for the uninsured. Families of pregnant mothers who are positive for HbsAg are eligible for free screenings and vaccinations at some health departments.

Schedule Engerix- B Recombivax HB
Infants with
HBsAg-negative mother		 0-2, 1-4, and 6-18 mo 10 mg/0.5 mL 2.5 mg/0.5 mL
Infants with
HBsAg-positive mother		 At birth*, 1-2 and 6 mo 10 mg/0.5 mL 5.0 mg/0.5mL
Children and adolescents
(0-19 yr)		 0, 1-2, and 4-6 mo 10 mg/0.5 mL 5.0 mg/0.5mL
Alternative 2-dose regimen for adolescents
(11-15 yr)		 0 and 4-6 mo
-
 10 mg/1.0 mL
Adults (>20 yr) 0, 1-2, and 4-6 mo 20 mg/1.0 mL 10 mg/1.0 mL
Immunocompromised
adults (hemodialysis)		 0, 1 and 6 mo 40 mg/2.0 mL 40 mg/1.0


* within 12 hours and with hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG)

Hepatitis B Initiative of
Washington, D.C.
P.O. BOX 53447
Washington, DC 20009-3447

email: info@hepbinitiative.org
Hepatitis B Initiative-Boston
c/o The Albert Schweitzer Fellowship
330 Brookline Avenue, E/Rose-145
Boston, MA 02215