Hepatitis B virus vaccine

Hepatitis B is a major public health problem. Complications of the disease can include a carrier state, chronic active hepatitis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The development of hepatitis B virus vaccine has made active immunization against HBV possible. Although studies are still in progress, the vaccine appears quite safe and remarkably free of side effects. Vaccination is recommended for individuals who are at risk for exposure to infectious blood or body fluids from hepatitis B patients.