Hepatitis B: Post-Vaccination Test for Immunity

Overview

A post-vaccination 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 things, such as infection with HIV or the use of medicines to prevent organ rejection.
• Are having dialysis for kidney failure.
• May have been exposed to hepatitis B.
• 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 post-vaccination test for immunity, when needed, should be done between 1 and 6 months after a person receives the last dose of vaccine.