HepB
Hepatitis B (HepB)
HepB: 3 doses; first dose from birth; second dose at least 4 weeks after the first (CDC). The Hepatitis B vaccine protects against Hepatitis B.
Typically required for school Aluminum-adjuvanted
Key takeaways
- On the routine, on-time schedule, HepB is a 3-dose series. Delaying the start doesn't change the total number of HepB doses — it spaces them out.
- HepB can be given on a slower, spaced-out schedule. The dose count stays the same, but visits can be spread out. Minimum ages and intervals still apply, and the planner enforces them automatically.
- The HepB products listed on this page use an aluminum adjuvant; the amount per brand is listed on this page from FDA package inserts. If you prefer not to give several aluminum-containing vaccines at one visit, the planner can limit them per visit.
- HepB is required for kindergarten entry in most US states. Check your state's exact list on the requirements-by-state pages.
What changes when HepB is delayed?
On the routine, started-on-time schedule, HepB is a 3-dose series. Delaying the start does not always change this, but for several vaccines the CDC's own catch-up rules mean a later start needs fewer total doses. Here is what applies to HepB:
- 3 doses regardless of start age (no dose reduction).
- Final dose is given at age 6 months (CDC minimum age 24 weeks); this tool uses 6 months to stay on the safe side. It must also be ≥8 weeks after dose 2 and ≥16 weeks after dose 1.
- A birth dose is routinely given in the hospital; delaying shifts the whole series later.
The exact timing depends on your child's age and how you space visits. The spaced-out scheduler applies these rules automatically and shows the minimum doses still needed by your deadline. For a fuller look at timing, risks and catch-up, see the delay guide for HepB.
What brands and ingredients does the HepB vaccine have?
The US-licensed products below are listed with their manufacturer, aluminum content, preservative and egg flags, and full ingredient list. Each card links to the official CDC or FDA source. Formulations change — treat these as a starting point, not the final word.
Single-disease brands
Engerix-B
GSK
Ingredients (5)
- aluminum hydroxide
- yeast protein
- sodium chloride
- disodium phosphate dihydrate
- sodium dihydrogen phosphate dihydrate
Recombivax HB
Merck
Pediatric/adolescent dose is 0.5 mL (5 mcg HBsAg). The label states approximately 0.5 mg aluminum per mL, so about 0.25 mg per 0.5 mL dose.
Ingredients (4)
- amorphous aluminum hydroxyphosphate sulfate
- potassium aluminum sulfate
- formaldehyde
- yeast protein
Combination brands that include this vaccine
Pediarix
GSK · DTaP + HepB + IPV
Ingredients (8)
- aluminum hydroxide
- aluminum phosphate
- formaldehyde
- sodium chloride
- polysorbate 80 (Tween 80)
- neomycin sulfate
- polymyxin B
- yeast protein
Vaxelis
MSP Vaccine Company (Merck + Sanofi) · DTaP + IPV + Hib + HepB (hexavalent)
Ingredients (10)
- aluminum (from adjuvant salts)
- formaldehyde
- glutaraldehyde
- polysorbate 80
- bovine serum albumin
- neomycin
- streptomycin
- polymyxin B sulfate
- ammonium thiocyanate
- yeast protein
HepB vaccine FAQs
How many doses of HepB does my child need?
On the routine, on-time schedule, HepB is a 3-dose series. Delaying the start doesn't change the total number of HepB doses — it spaces them out.
Can the HepB vaccine be delayed or spaced out?
Yes. HepB can be given on a slower, spaced-out schedule. The dose count stays the same, but visits can be spread out. Minimum ages and intervals still apply, and the planner enforces them automatically.
Does the HepB vaccine contain aluminum?
Yes. The HepB products listed on this page use an aluminum adjuvant; the amount per brand is listed on this page from FDA package inserts. If you prefer not to give several aluminum-containing vaccines at one visit, the planner can limit them per visit.
Is HepB required for school?
HepB is required for kindergarten entry in most US states. Check your state's exact list on the requirements-by-state pages. See requirements by state.
Plan HepB on a slower schedule
See how many HepB doses your child would still need and when, on a spaced-out plan that finishes in time for school. Review the result with your child's healthcare practitioner.
Build my plan →Sources
Primary sources only. Links open the publisher's own page.
- CDC Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule by Age (opens in a new tab)
- CDC Catch-up Immunization Schedule (Table 2) (opens in a new tab)
- CDC Child and Adolescent Schedule Notes (opens in a new tab)
- CDC Vaccine Excipient Summary (Pink Book, Appendix B) (opens in a new tab)
- FDA Vaccines Licensed for Use in the United States (opens in a new tab)
- CDC CDC Vaccine Excipient Summary (Appendix B) (opens in a new tab)
- DailyMed FDA/DailyMed PI — Engerix-B (opens in a new tab)
- DailyMed FDA/DailyMed PI — Recombivax HB (opens in a new tab)
- FDA FDA PI — Pediarix (opens in a new tab)
- Merck Merck PI — Vaxelis (opens in a new tab)
- FDA FDA — Vaxelis (opens in a new tab)