Hepatitis B Adult Vaccine Dosage

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 4, 2025.

Usual Adult Dose for Hepatitis B Prophylaxis

Primary Vaccination:

Engerix-B(R):
19 years and younger: Three doses (0.5 mL each) intramuscularly on a 0, 1, and 6 month schedule
20 years and older: Three doses (1 mL each) intramuscularly on a 0, 1, and 6 month schedule

Heplisav-B(R): Two doses (0.5 mL each) intramuscularly one month apart

Recombivax-HB(R):
19 years and younger: Three doses (0.5 mL each) intramuscularly on a 0, 1, and 6 month schedule (use pediatric/adolescent formulation)
20 years and older: Three doses (1 mL each) intramuscularly on a 0, 1, and 6 month schedule (use adult formulation)

Known or Presumed Hepatitis B Exposure:

Engerix-B(R) : Use recommended doses of (above) on a 0, 1, and 6 month schedule OR a 0, 1, 2, and 12 month schedule.
Recombivax-HB(R): Refer to recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)

Comments:

• Administer hepatitis B immune globulin if appropriate.
• Start hepatitis B vaccine as soon as possible after exposure.

Renal Dose Adjustments

Recombivax HB Dialysis Formulation(R):
Predialysis patients: Three doses (40 mcg/1 mL each), IM, on a 0, 1, and 6 month schedule

Engerix-B(R) and Heplisav-B(R): Data not available

Liver Dose Adjustments

Data not available

Dose Adjustments

Alternate dosing schedules (Engerix-B(R)):
11 to 19 years: 3 doses (1 mL each), IM, on a 0, 1, and 6 month schedule
11 to 19 years: 4 doses (1 mL each), IM, on a 0, 1, 2, and 12 month schedule
20 years and older: 4 doses (1 mL each), IM, on a 0, 1, 2, and 12 month schedule

Booster doses:
Engerix-B(R):
Adults: 1 mL intramuscularly
Adults on hemodialysis: 2 mL (or two 1 mL doses) as determined by annual antibody testing showing antibody levels below 10 mIU/mL

Recombivax-HB(R):
Adults: Refer to recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)
Predialysis/Dialysis Adults:

• Consider a booster dose or revaccination with Recombivax-HB Dialysis Formulation(R) when anti-HB levels are less than 10 mIU/mL one to two months after the third dose.
• Give a booster dose when annual testing shows anti-HB levels are less than 10 mIU/mL.

Dialysis

Hemodialysis:
Engerix-B(R): Four doses (2 mL each) intramuscularly at 0, 1, 2, and 6 months

Heplisav-B(R): Safety and efficacy have not been established in hemodialysis

Recombivax-HB(R) Dialysis formulation: Three 40 mcg (1 mL) doses intramuscularly at 0, 1, and 6 months

Peritoneal dialysis: Data not available

Other Comments

Administration advice:

• Administer IM; the preferred site is the anterolateral aspect of the thigh in patients under 1 year, and the deltoid muscle for older children and adults.
• Do not administer in the gluteal region: response may be suboptimal.
• Administer subcutaneously only in patients at risk of hemorrhage from IM injections.

IV compatibility:

• Do not mix with any other vaccine or product in the same syringe/vial.

General:
Health care providers should report any allergic or unusual adverse reactions to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) at 1-800-822-7967 (USA) and the manufacturer.

See also:

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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