Hepatitis B vaccine
Hepatitis B vaccine · IAP / NIS
| When to give | Birth dose within 24 h; then at 6, 10, 14 weeks (with pentavalent/hexavalent). |
|---|---|
| Dose | Paediatric: 10 µg / 0.5 mL. Adult (>18 yr): 20 µg / 1 mL. Contains HBsAg 10 µg (ped), Al(OH)₃, ± thiomersal (thiomersal-free brands available). |
| Route | Intramuscular |
| Site | Anterolateral mid-thigh (infant); deltoid (older) |
| Schedule / interval | Birth, 6, 10, 14 wk. Standalone catch-up: 0–1–6 months. |
Catch-up schedule
0–1–6 month schedule for any unvaccinated / unknown-status child or adolescent (<18 yr). A single prior dose need not restart the series — complete remaining doses respecting minimum intervals.
Adverse events (AEFI)
Mild local pain/redness; low-grade fever. Serious AEFI very rare (efficacy >90%).
Brands available in India
Bevac (0.5/1 mL), Revac-B mcf (thiomersal-free), Genevac-B (0.5/1.0/10 mL multidose)
Special considerations
Birth dose is key to preventing perinatal transmission. All stable preterm & LBW babies get a birth dose + 3 further doses. Prevaccination screening not cost-effective except in HBsAg-positive contacts. Store 2–8°C, do not freeze.
Common questions
When is the Hepatitis B vaccine given?
Birth dose within 24 h; then at 6, 10, 14 weeks (with pentavalent/hexavalent).
What is the Hepatitis B vaccine dose and route?
Paediatric: 10 µg / 0.5 mL. Adult (>18 yr): 20 µg / 1 mL. Contains HBsAg 10 µg (ped), Al(OH)₃, ± thiomersal (thiomersal-free brands available). Route: Intramuscular. Site: Anterolateral mid-thigh (infant); deltoid (older).
Can the Hepatitis B vaccine be given late?
0–1–6 month schedule for any unvaccinated / unknown-status child or adolescent (<18 yr). A single prior dose need not restart the series — complete remaining doses respecting minimum intervals.
What are the side effects of the Hepatitis B vaccine?
Mild local pain/redness; low-grade fever. Serious AEFI very rare (efficacy >90%).
Which Hepatitis B vaccine brands are available in India?
Bevac (0.5/1 mL), Revac-B mcf (thiomersal-free), Genevac-B (0.5/1.0/10 mL multidose)
See the full IAP-ACVIP 2025 immunisation schedule →
About this page
Aligned with the IAP-ACVIP Recommended Immunization Schedule 2025 and compiled from standard paediatric references. Verify against the current product insert, the national schedule and your local protocol.
Spotted something wrong? Report an error on this page — corrections from clinicians are welcome and are reviewed before any change is published.
Last reviewed 2026-08-12.