How can I protect myself from hepatitis B?

You can get the hepatitis B vaccine.

Vaccines protect you from getting hepatitis B.

A vaccine is a drug that you take when you are healthy that keeps you from getting sick. Vaccines teach your body to attack certain viruses, like the hepatitis B virus.

The hepatitis B vaccine is given through three shots. All babies should get the vaccine. Infants get the first shot within 12 hours after birth. They get the second shot at age 1 to 2 months and the third shot between ages 6 and 18 months.

Older children and adults can get the vaccine, too. They get three shots over 6 months. Children who have not had the vaccine should get it.

You need all of the shots to be protected. If you are traveling to other countries, make sure you get all the shots before you go. If you miss a shot, call your doctor or clinic right away to set up a new appointment.

You can also protect yourself and others from hepatitis B if you

People who touch blood at work should wear gloves to protect themselves from hepatitis B.

• use a condom when you have sex
  
  
• don't share drug needles with anyone
  
  
• wear gloves if you have to touch anyone's blood
  
  
• don't use an infected person's toothbrush, razor, or anything else that could have blood on it
  
  
• make sure any tattooing or body piercing is done with clean tools

source: http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/hepb_ez/index.htm