Hepatitis B Immunoglobulin: Human Hepatitis B Antibodies (Passive Immunization)
What this protects against
● Immediate Infection Prevention: Unlike the standard vaccine which takes time to build immunity,
HBIG provides “ready-made” antibodies for instant protection after a high-risk exposure.
● Mother-to-Child Transmission: Essential for newborns of Hepatitis B-positive mothers to prevent
the virus from establishing a chronic infection during birth.
● Accidental Exposure: Protects healthcare workers or individuals after needle-stick injuries or
direct contact with infected blood.
Why it’s essential
● The “Safety Net”: While your research on wastewater shows how prevalent HBV can be in the
environment, HBIG acts as an emergency shield when the standard vaccine hasn’t been
completed.
● Critical Timing: Must be administered as soon as possible (ideally within 12–24 hours) after
exposure to be effective.
Doses & route
● Intramuscular Injection: Typically administered in the thigh (for infants) or the deltoid.
● Schedule: usually a single dose for post-exposure
● Ideal for: Newborns of HBV+ mothers, healthcare workers with needle-stick injuries, and
individuals with recent sexual exposure to an HBV+ partner.
Ideal for
Pet owners, children, hikers, vets/animal workers, security personnel, and travelers—especially in areas where rabies exists.