Babies usually get the Hepatitis B (Hep B) vaccine as a series of shots. The first dose is typically given within 24 hours after birth if the newborn's mother does not have the Hep B virus. If the mother is Hep B positive, the baby should receive the vaccine along with hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) within 12 hours after birth for immediate protection. The usual vaccination schedule is:
- First dose: within 24 hours of birth (or within 12 hours if the mother is Hep B positive)
- Second dose: at 1 to 2 months of age
- Third dose: at 6 to 18 months of age
For low birth weight babies (less than 2000 grams), the timing might be adjusted, with the first dose at 1 month of age instead of at birth, followed by additional doses according to the schedule. This schedule helps ensure infants are protected from hepatitis B infection from birth onward.
