Can you take 2nd Hep B vaccine shot years later?

[mad_adventurer]

I had the first Hep B vaccine shot two years ago before a trip down to South America. I didn't have time to get the second one before I went. I now have a new trip planned later this summer. Do I have to start over or can I just get the second shot and be done with it?

[hepmagnet]

I had a similar situation. My doctor told me I could take the second shot at any point in the future. I still don't get what good the first shot did but he clearly said I could get the second one later and it would still vaccinate me against Hep B.

[Tim Horn]

Three shots of the hepatitis B vaccine are needed to maximize effectiveness -- the first shot helps to establish immunity to the virus; the second two help to maintain immunity to the virus.

Typically, the three shots are administered over a six-month period and a lot of information on the web indicates that it's best to get your shots on or as close to this schedule as possible. This is because the dosing schedules recommended were the ones tested in clinical trials.

Experts frequently point out, however, that time lapses between the first and second, or second and third, shots aren't a bad thing -- maintained immunity is still possible. There's no need to start the series of three injections all over again, even if a few years have passed between your first and second dose. What is important, however, is that you get all three shots to maintain immunity to the hepatitis B virus.

Tim Horn

[hepmagnet]

3 shots? damn, i could swear my doctor said two total. well at least it seems ok to have the gap. i'll get them all eventually!

[Tim Horn]

The hepatitis A vaccine generally requires two shots; the hepatitis B vaccine generally requires three shots.

[hepmagnet]

I bet that's it. I did get my first B and A shot at the same time. I probably mixed up the number. Thanks for follow up.