- Hepatitis B
- Contraindications & Precautions
Is it safe for a person at risk of hepatitis B to be vaccinated during pregnancy?
Yes. Many years of experience with Engerix-B and Recombivax HB brands of HepB vaccines and more recent studies of Heplisav-B vaccine indicate no apparent risk for adverse events to a developing fetus. All three may be used during pregnancy. If hepatitis A vaccination is also desired, Twinrix (HepA-HepB) is also an option. Current HepB products contain noninfectious hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and should pose no risk to the fetus. If not vaccinated, a pregnant person may contract an HBV infection during pregnancy, which might result in severe disease for the newborn.
Mothers who breastfeed their babies and need HepB can be vaccinated. Although data are not available to assess the effects of Heplisav-B on breastfed infants or on maternal milk production and excretion, there is no theoretical risk to the infant and vaccination with any HepB product is acceptable.