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Hepatitis B immunization: Hepatitis B ( hep B) vaccinegives prolonged protection, but 3 shots over a half year are usually required. In theU.S., all infants receive hep B vaccine. Two vaccines (Energix-B, and Recombivax-HB) areavailable in the US. The first dose of hep B vaccine is frequently given while the newbornis in the hospital or at the first doctor visit following birth. The second dose is givenabout 30 days after the initial dose. A booster dose is performed approximately six monthslater. Babies born to mothers testing positive for hep B receive, in addition, HBIG (hep Bimmune globulin) for prompt protection. Older children (11-12 years) are advised toreceive a hep B booster as are adults in high-risk situations including healthcareworkers, dentists, intimate and household contacts of patients with chronic hep Binfection, male homosexuals, individuals with multiple sexual partners, dialysis patients,IV drug users, and recipients of repeated transfusions. Healthcare workers accidentallyexposed to materials infected with hep B (such as needle sticks), and individuals withknown sexual contact with hep B patients are usually given both HBIG and vaccine toprovide immediate and long term protection.