Postvaccination test for immunity to the hepatitis B virus
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 conditions, 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.
| Author: | Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS | Last Updated: October 15, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine W. Thomas London, MD - Hepatology | |
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