hepatitis b vaccine (rDNA) at a glance
Medicine class
Recombinant, non-live viral vaccine
Main role
Active immunisation against hepatitis B virus infection
Administration
Injection, usually into the upper arm or thigh
What is hepatitis b vaccine (rDNA) used for?
The selected products are licensed for active immunisation against hepatitis B virus infection caused by known subtypes.
Engerix B is licensed for non-immune people from birth onwards, with the appropriate presentation selected according to age and circumstances.
HBVAXPRO 40 micrograms is specifically licensed for adults receiving, or expected to receive, dialysis.
Vaccination may indirectly prevent hepatitis D because hepatitis D infection depends on hepatitis B infection.
UK programmes use hepatitis B vaccination for people at increased risk and following significant exposure.
How does hepatitis b vaccine (rDNA) work?
The vaccine presents laboratory-produced hepatitis B surface antigen to the immune system. This stimulates antibodies and immune memory, helping the body respond if it later encounters hepatitis B virus. The vaccine cannot cause hepatitis B.
How to take hepatitis b vaccine (rDNA)
A trained healthcare professional gives the vaccine by injection, normally into the upper arm or the thigh in babies and young children.
Tell the vaccinator about previous severe vaccine allergies, significant current illness, bleeding disorders, immune suppression, dialysis and pregnancy.
People with thrombocytopenia or bleeding disorders may exceptionally receive it beneath the skin when clinically appropriate.
Other vaccines or hepatitis B immunoglobulin may be given at the same visit using separate injection sites.
The healthcare professional shakes and visually checks the suspension before use. It must not be mixed with other medicines in the same container.
hepatitis b vaccine (rDNA) side effects
Common or expected effects
- Pain, redness, swelling or firmness at the injection site
- Tiredness or malaise
- Headache or drowsiness
- Fever
- Irritability or reduced appetite, particularly in children
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea or abdominal discomfort
Get urgent medical advice
- Signs of anaphylaxis, including breathing difficulty or swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat
- Collapse, persistent breathing problems, seizure or a new severe neurological symptom
hepatitis b vaccine (rDNA) in pregnancy
The vaccine can be used during pregnancy when required, particularly where exposure risk is meaningful. Because data for the specific products are limited, discuss the individual benefits and risks with the prescriber, midwife or vaccination team.
hepatitis b vaccine (rDNA) while breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is not generally a reason to withhold hepatitis B vaccination. Clinical data for the selected products are limited, so discuss relevant allergies and individual circumstances with the vaccinator.
hepatitis b vaccine (rDNA) interactions
There are few conventional medicine interactions, but other treatments can affect immune response or administration.
Immunosuppressive treatment
Medicines that suppress immunity may reduce the antibody response, so testing or specialist management may be needed.
Hepatitis B immunoglobulin
It may be administered at the same visit when indicated, but must be injected at a separate site.
Other injectable vaccines
Many vaccines can be given at the same visit using separate syringes and injection sites.
Common questions about hepatitis b vaccine (rDNA)
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Can hepatitis b vaccine (rDNA) cause hepatitis B?
No. It contains recombinant surface antigen rather than infectious hepatitis B virus.
Is hepatitis b vaccine (rDNA) a live vaccine?
No. It is a non-live recombinant vaccine made using hepatitis B surface antigen produced in yeast.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.