Vaccination for Hepatitis B in Adults

Authors: Linda Gorgos, MD, MSc Jeanne Marrazzo, MD, MPH

Last updated: March 1, 2010

Learning Objectives

A 28-year-old woman presents to a Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) clinic for evaluation of vaginal discharge and is concerned she may have a sexually transmitted infection. She reports having a new sex partner in the past month and a total of three sex partners in the past six months. Other than a history of genital herpes with intermittent outbreaks, she reports being in good health. On review of her medical history she reports never having been vaccinated for hepatitis B.

Along with a thorough evaluation for STDs, which is the BEST option for this client regarding hepatitis B vaccination?

A Give the first hepatitis B vaccination dose at today’s visit with recommendations for additional doses at 1 and 6 months.
B Send serologic studies for hepatitis B and defer on vaccination.
C Do not offer vaccines since there is no role for hepatitis B vaccination in this client.
D Administer vaccine for both hepatitis A and hepatitis B.