Hepatitis B and childhood vaccinations

Hepatitis B is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Hepatitis B can live in blood and sexual fluids. It’s the most common liver infection in the world, usually passed on from mother to baby, or through exposure to the blood of someone with hepatitis B (usually through unsterile medical procedures).

When do children and babies get vaccinated?

In Australia, many people get vaccinated for hepatitis B as babies or young children, as part of the National Immunisation Program Schedule.

Babies start vaccinations soon after birth. All babies have four hepatitis B vaccinations:

at birth,
at 4 months old,
at 6 weeks old,
and at 6 months old.

If the vaccine has worked, your baby is protected from hepatitis B for life. You do not have to worry about them getting hepatitis B.

Are the vaccinations safe for children?

Yes, the hepatitis B vaccines are safe for babies and children. Getting all 4 injections gives your child the best chance of developing hepatitis B immunity (protection).

What if my baby missed out on all 4 of the injections?

If your baby missed out on all 4 hepatitis B vaccination injections, they can have ‘catch-up’ immunisations.

Free vaccinations are available for:

all people under 20 years of age
refugees and humanitarian entrants of any age.

Contact the Hepatitis Infoline or talk to your doctor for more information

Have more questions about hepatitis B and baby and child vaccinations? Contact the free Hepatitis Infoline or download one of our free online resources now.

To learn more about the National Immunisation Program Schedule, click here >>

For further information on ‘catch-up immunisations’ please visit National Department of Health and Aging Catch-up Immunisations webpage >>

Click here to see our Hepatitis B, pregnancies and babies page >>