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Hepatitis B: Postvaccination Test for Immunity

Topic Overview

A postvaccination test for immunity to the hepatitis B virus (HBV) is recommended only if you:

  • Have an impaired immune system. This can be caused by many things, such as infection with HIV or the use of medicines to prevent organ rejection.
  • Are older than age 49.
  • Received the hepatitis B vaccine in the buttock. (The vaccine is less effective when given in the buttock. It is more effective when given in the upper arm.)
  • May come in contact with other people's blood or body fluids as part of your job.
  • Are a sex partner of someone with chronic hepatitis B virus infection.

Infants born to mothers who are infected with HBV should be tested at 9 to 15 months of age.

With the exception of infants, a postvaccination test for immunity should be done between 1 and 2 months after a person receives the last dose of vaccine.

Related Information

Credits

By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Steven L. Flamm, MD, MD - Gastroenterology
Last Revised November 11, 2010

Last Revised: November 11, 2010

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine & Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine & E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine & Steven L. Flamm, MD, MD - Gastroenterology

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