As of December 2025, the CDC hepatitis B vaccine schedule remains one of the most critical components of the United States’ national immunization strategy. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continues to strengthen its recommendations for hepatitis B vaccination to ensure full protection for infants, children, and adults of all ages. With updated adult guidelines, renewed focus on maternal screening, and faster two-dose options now available, the vaccine continues to play a central role in protecting millions from a potentially life-threatening viral infection.
Hepatitis B: A Continuing Public Health Concern
Hepatitis B is a viral infection that attacks the liver. It spreads through contact with infected blood, semen, or other bodily fluids. While acute cases can resolve within months, chronic infections can lead to serious conditions such as cirrhosis, liver failure, or liver cancer.
In the U.S., approximately 1.9 million people are estimated to be living with chronic hepatitis B infection. Despite this, many remain undiagnosed because the virus can stay silent for years before symptoms appear. This is one of the reasons the CDC continues to advocate for early and universal vaccination — not just for children, but also for adults who were never immunized.
Vaccination is highly effective, with a success rate exceeding 95% when the full series is completed. The immunization also provides long-term protection, reducing hospitalizations, deaths, and healthcare costs associated with chronic liver disease.
CDC Hepatitis B Vaccine Schedule: Updated 2025 Guidelines
The CDC’s latest recommendations focus on making hepatitis B vaccination universal for nearly all age groups. Below is a clear overview of the 2025 vaccination schedule as published by the U.S. immunization authorities:
Infants (Birth to 18 Months)
- Dose 1: Within 24 hours of birth
- Dose 2: Between 1 and 2 months of age
- Dose 3: Between 6 and 18 months of age
If the mother tests positive for the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), the newborn must receive both the first dose of the vaccine and hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) within 12 hours of delivery — at separate injection sites.
Infants born to mothers whose infection status is unknown should also be treated as at-risk until testing confirms otherwise. For these newborns, the CDC advises administering the vaccine immediately and following up with maternal testing.
Children and Adolescents (1–18 Years)
Unvaccinated children and adolescents should receive the three-dose series at the following intervals:
- First dose at any time (Day 0)
- Second dose at least 1 month after the first
- Third dose at least 6 months after the first
If a dose is missed, the schedule does not need to restart. The next dose should be administered as soon as possible while maintaining minimum spacing requirements.
Adults (19–59 Years)
All adults under 60 are now included in the CDC’s universal hepatitis B vaccination policy. This major update, introduced in 2022 and reaffirmed for 2025, eliminates the need for pre-screening for risk factors. Every adult in this age group should complete a full hepatitis B vaccine series.
Adults (60 Years and Older)
For adults aged 60 and older, vaccination remains strongly recommended for those at increased risk, such as:
- Healthcare workers or first responders
- Individuals with diabetes
- People with multiple sexual partners
- Those who inject drugs
- Residents and staff of long-term care facilities
- Travelers to regions where hepatitis B is common
Adults over 60 who are not at increased risk but wish to receive protection may also be vaccinated upon request.
Vaccine Formulations and Dose Options in 2025
In the United States, four primary hepatitis B vaccines are approved for use, offering flexibility in dosing schedules:
| Vaccine | Doses Required | Schedule | Approved Age Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engerix-B | 3 doses | 0, 1, and 6 months | Birth and older | Standard 3-dose vaccine |
| Recombivax HB | 3 doses | 0, 1, and 6 months | Birth and older | Widely used in pediatric series |
| Heplisav-B | 2 doses | 0 and 1 month | 18 years and older | Faster protection for adults |
| PreHevbrio | 3 doses | 0, 1, and 6 months | 18 years and older | Broader antigen coverage |
The Heplisav-B vaccine continues to grow in popularity because it provides complete protection in just one month, improving vaccination completion rates among adults. It is also particularly beneficial for people with busy schedules or those seeking faster immunity.
Recent CDC Updates for 2025
Several changes and clarifications have been reaffirmed for this year’s immunization recommendations:
- Universal adult vaccination continues for everyone aged 19–59, regardless of risk factors.
- Pregnant women should be screened for HBsAg during each pregnancy, even if previously tested or vaccinated.
- Co-administration of hepatitis B vaccines with other immunizations — such as flu shots, COVID-19 boosters, or Tdap — remains safe and effective.
- Two-dose adult series (Heplisav-B) is now widely accepted for routine use, improving compliance and completion.
- Infant vaccination at birth is emphasized as a critical step to prevent lifelong infection.
These updates align with the national effort to eliminate hepatitis B transmission in the United States by 2030.
Protection for Newborns and Pregnant Mothers
Hepatitis B prevention begins at birth. Every pregnant woman should undergo screening for hepatitis B surface antigen during prenatal care. If she tests positive, immediate treatment measures after delivery can reduce transmission to the newborn by more than 95%.
Infants born to infected mothers receive both HBIG and the first vaccine dose within 12 hours of life. These babies then complete the standard vaccine series on schedule. At 9–12 months of age, they should undergo post-vaccination blood testing to confirm immunity.
These steps have nearly eliminated perinatal hepatitis B transmission in the United States, representing one of the greatest public health successes in modern vaccination history.
Adults: The Expanding Focus of Prevention
While infant and childhood vaccination rates are high, adult coverage remains low. Recent CDC data show that only about 33% of U.S. adults under 60 have received a complete hepatitis B vaccine series.
To address this, the CDC and public health partners are expanding adult immunization campaigns across healthcare settings, pharmacies, and community centers. Many clinics now offer same-day vaccination during routine visits, making it easier for adults to catch up on missed doses.
Workplaces in healthcare, food service, and emergency response also conduct on-site vaccination drives, ensuring that employees exposed to potential biohazards are fully protected.
Special Risk Populations in 2025
Certain groups remain at heightened risk of hepatitis B infection and are prioritized for vaccination and post-exposure management:
- Healthcare personnel handling blood or body fluids
- Dialysis patients and those with chronic kidney disease
- Individuals with HIV or other immunocompromising conditions
- People who inject drugs
- Incarcerated individuals in correctional facilities
- International travelers to high-prevalence regions
- Household members and sexual partners of infected individuals
Vaccination remains the most effective prevention method in all of these groups. When exposure occurs, post-exposure prophylaxis — including HBIG and accelerated vaccination — can prevent infection.
Vaccine Effectiveness and Safety
The hepatitis B vaccine has an outstanding safety record. Common side effects are mild and short-lived, such as soreness at the injection site or a low-grade fever.
Studies confirm that people who complete the full series maintain protection for at least 30 years, often for life. Booster doses are not needed for healthy individuals who developed an adequate antibody response.
For immunocompromised people, healthcare providers may periodically test for antibody levels and administer booster doses as needed.
Impact of Vaccination on National Health
Since the vaccine’s introduction in 1981, new hepatitis B infections have decreased by more than 90% in the United States. Among children under 19, the infection rate has dropped to historic lows.
In 2025, vaccination remains the primary defense against both acute and chronic hepatitis B. It prevents not only illness and hospitalization but also the social and economic burden associated with long-term liver disease.
Each year, tens of thousands of potential infections are prevented through adherence to the CDC’s schedule. The collective impact includes lower healthcare costs, reduced transmission in communities, and improved quality of life for future generations.
Staying Up to Date with Vaccination
To ensure ongoing protection, individuals should verify their vaccination status with healthcare providers or through state immunization registries. Missing doses does not require restarting the series — vaccination can simply continue from the last completed dose.
Pharmacies, hospitals, and local health departments across the country continue to offer the hepatitis B vaccine for all age groups, with walk-in and same-day appointments widely available.
A National Commitment to Elimination by 2030
The United States has joined the global mission to eliminate viral hepatitis as a public health threat by the year 2030. Universal vaccination, early diagnosis, and equitable access to care are key to achieving this goal.
By following the CDC hepatitis B vaccine schedule, individuals not only protect themselves but also contribute to broader public health progress. Every completed vaccination helps close the gap toward a hepatitis B–free future.
The hepatitis B vaccine remains one of the greatest achievements in modern medicine — and staying on schedule ensures that this success continues to protect every new generation of Americans.