Hepatitis B Vaccine

The good news is that there is a vaccine to prevent infection with Hepatitis B. If you have potential exposure to bloodborne pathogens as part of your job duties at Princeton University, you are offered the hepatitis B vaccine series at no cost to yourself. The vaccine is safe and effective (it contains no live virus or blood products). The vaccine series consists of 3 doses given over a 6 month period (initial dose, 2nd dose one month later, final dose 6 months after the first dose).

You will not need the vaccine series at this time if:

• you have previously received the vaccine series,
• antibody testing has revealed you are immune,
• vaccination is not recommended for medical reasons.
  

You do not have to accept the offer of Hepatitis B vaccination. In that case, you will be asked to complete a declination form (at the end of this training).

If you decline the initial offer of vaccination, you may choose to receive the series at any time during your employment. Because this series of vaccines is the best means we have of protecting you from contracting HBV, you are encouraged to get the vaccination.

For additional information:

CDC’s Hepatitis B Fact Sheet.