Children
In children, we can use either Recombivax HB at a concentration of 5 mcg/0.5mL or Engerix B at a concentration of 10 mcg/0.5 mL. In these cases, we should use a three-dose immunization.
The first dose of hepatitis B in children is administered to 1-2-year-old infants who weigh more than 2000 grams at birth. In preterm infants, the first dose should be given up to 1 month after birth. When the baby’s mother has positive serology for hepatitis B, the newborn child should receive the vaccine up to 12 hours after birth along with one dose of immune globulin against hepatitis B virus.
The second dose of hepatitis B in children is administered after 4 weeks or more, usually after 1-2 months, and before 6 weeks have passed after birth. The third dose of hepatitis B in children should be administered before 2 years of age and 16 weeks after receiving their first dose.
Any infant who has not received a hepatitis B vaccine receives the immunization as soon as possible, one week after the first dose, then one week after the second dose, and a final dose after 4 months. If we have children after 11 years old who have not received the immunization, they can enter into a catch-up schedule with 2 doses of Recombivax HB in adult formulation separated by 4 months.
