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.
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
