Q: How much time does it take for the Hepatitis B vaccination to achieve the safe level of antibody? What must be the safe level of antibody to be sure that the vaccine has been effective? Is the vaccine injected or is it given orally?

A:The recommended schedule for hepatitis B vaccination (injection) for babies is: 1. Birth, 6 weeks and 14 weeks 2. If not given at birth, then at 6, 10 and 14 weeks 3. An injection, followed by two other, 1 and 6 months after the first injection. Serum levels are not routinely measured to evaluate sero-conversion (protection - antibody level >10 IU/L), which is seen in 95-98% individuals with either of these schedules.