Essential protection against serious liver disease—starting at birth
Hepatitis B is a virus that affects the liver and can spread through contact with infected blood or body fluids. Newborns can become infected during birth if their mother carries the virus. Many people who have hepatitis B show no symptoms but can still pass the virus to others.
Hepatitis B can lead to yellowing of the skin and eyes, weakness, joint pain, chronic liver infection, cirrhosis (scarring of the liver), liver failure, liver cancer, and even death. Infants who become infected are much more likely to develop lifelong liver disease, making early vaccination especially important.
At Marshfield Clinic, our Family Medicine and Pediatric providers ensure children receive hepatitis B vaccination beginning shortly after birth, following recommended guidelines to support lifelong protection.
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Symptoms
Hepatitis B may cause:
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
- Weakness or fatigue
- Joint pain
- Loss of appetite
- Fever
However, many infected individuals—especially children—may have no symptoms.
Possible Complications
Hepatitis B can lead to serious long-term health issues, including:
- Chronic liver infection
- Cirrhosis (liver scarring)
- Liver failure
- Liver cancer
Infants and young children are at the highest risk for developing chronic infection.
Who's Most at Risk?
Higher risk groups include:
- Newborns exposed during birth
- People who live with someone infected with hepatitis B
- Individuals with exposure to infected blood or body fluids
- Unvaccinated adults with certain health or occupational risks
Vaccine Recommendations
All children should receive three doses of the hepatitis B vaccine, beginning with the first dose shortly after birth.
Your provider will follow the recommended schedule to help ensure strong, long-lasting protection.
How Marshfield Clinic Supports You
We help families:
- Begin vaccination early
- Stay on schedule with all three recommended doses
- Understand testing and prevention when a parent is infected
- Feel confident in their child’s protection from serious liver disease
Frequently asked questions
Why is the hepatitis B vaccine given at birth?
Infants exposed during delivery are at high risk of lifelong infection. Early vaccination helps prevent this.
Is hepatitis B vaccine safe?
Yes. It is one of the most widely used and studied vaccines, with a strong safety record.