Who is at Highest Risk for Suffering Complications from Hepatitis B?

For most people, acute hepatitis B is not a serious illness. Most infants and children and 50 percent of all adults have no symptoms.¹ Those most at risk for complications from acute hepatitis B infection include seniors, individuals with pre-existing medical conditions, and pregnant women.²

Those most at risk for developing chronic hepatitis B include newborns and infants exposed to hepatitis B from their infected mothers, individuals with immune deficiencies and those receiving hemodialysis.³

IMPORTANT NOTE: NVIC encourages you to become fully informed about Hepatitis B and the Hepatitis B vaccine by reading all sections in the Table of Contents , which contain many links and resources such as the manufacturer product information inserts, and to speak with one or more trusted health care professionals before making a vaccination decision for yourself or your child. This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice.

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References

1 CDC. Hepatitis B Pink Book. 13^th Edition. April 2015.

2 University of Maryland Medical Center, Viral Hepatitis, Oct. 19, 2015

3 CDC. Hepatitis B Pink Book. 13^th Edition. April 2015.