Is it necessary to get a hepatitis B booster shot?

Sep 04, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Gao Jun

Introduction

In general, whether a hepatitis B booster shot is necessary depends on the status of hepatitis B surface antibodies in the body. If the hepatitis B surface antibody is positive and the titer is sufficient, vaccination is usually not required. However, if the hepatitis B surface antibody is negative, or if the antibody is positive but the titer is insufficient, vaccination is recommended. To maintain liver health and reduce the risk of hepatitis B virus infection, it is advised to undergo regular hepatitis B antibody testing.

Generally speaking, whether it is necessary to receive a hepatitis B booster shot depends on the status of hepatitis B surface antibodies in the body. If the hepatitis B surface antibody is positive and the titer is sufficient, vaccination is usually unnecessary. However, if the hepatitis B surface antibody is negative, or if the antibody is positive but the titer is insufficient, vaccination is necessary. A detailed explanation is as follows:

If the hepatitis B surface antibody is positive and testing confirms that the antibody titer is ≥10mIU/ml, this indicates the body has sufficient immunity against the hepatitis B virus and can effectively resist viral infection. In this case, there is no need for an additional hepatitis B booster shot. These individuals can periodically retest their antibody levels to monitor titer changes, without frequently considering revaccination.

If the hepatitis B surface antibody is negative, it means the body lacks immunity against the hepatitis B virus. Once exposed to the virus, the risk of infection is high, and thus timely vaccination with a hepatitis B booster shot is required. Additionally, even if the antibody is positive, if testing reveals a titer <10mIU/ml, it indicates weak immunity that cannot effectively resist the virus. In such cases, a booster shot is also necessary to increase the antibody titer and enhance protective effects.

To maintain liver health and reduce the risk of hepatitis B virus infection, it is recommended to undergo regular hepatitis B antibody testing to determine your antibody status. At the same time, maintain a regular sleep schedule, avoid excessive fatigue, and reduce the burden on the liver.

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What should you eat if you have mild hepatitis B (small three positives)?

In general, patients with "small three positives" (chronic hepatitis B with positive HBsAg, anti-HBe, and HBV DNA) should support liver health through diet while using medication to control the condition. Recommended foods typically include eggs, broccoli, sea bass, spinach, and oats. Commonly used medications include entecavir dispersible tablets, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate tablets, silybin capsules, compound glycyrrhizin tablets, and hepatoprotective tablets.

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How long can the second dose of the hepatitis B vaccine be postponed?

If the vaccination is postponed due to short-term unexpected situations such as a mild cold or temporary travel, it is sufficient to receive the missed dose within one month; there is no need to restart the entire vaccination series. The subsequent third dose should still be administered according to the originally planned interval and will generally result in normal production of effective antibodies. However, if the delay exceeds one month, especially beyond two months, the immune memory induced by the first vaccine dose may weaken.