Hepatitis B Vaccination

The Hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for individuals at higher risk of exposure to Hepatitis B virus, particularly those working in healthcare, people traveling to regions with a high prevalence of Hepatitis B, and individuals with certain lifestyle or medical risk factors. 

The Hepatitis B vaccine is highly effective, providing over 95% protection against the virus after completing the full vaccination series. Immunity typically lasts for 20 years or more, and for most individuals, it offers lifelong protection against Hepatitis B infection. 

The immunity provided by the Hepatitis B vaccine can last for at least 20 years. After this initial series, a booster dose may not be routinely needed for most individuals. 

Getting vaccinated before travelling is a key step in safeguarding your health, the health of those around you, and the public health of the communities you visit. For Hepatitis B, it is advisable to get the first dose at least 8 weeks before departure. 

A consultation with our specialist travel nurse costs £20 for the first appointment and £10 for additional people and follow ups. The consultation is required to assess your travel plans and medical history and recommend vaccinations for your individual needs. A dose of the Hepatitis B vaccine costs £59, and 3 doses are required. The full course offers lifelong protection.  

Please see our full price list for details and speak to our staff in clinics about customised price plans for groups, families or when you book your full course in advance. 

Common side effects include soreness at the injection site and mild fever. Rare side effects can include more serious allergic reactions. 

You can get the Hepatitis B vaccine in one of our flagship clinics with locations in: 

• London: Victoria, Moorgate, London Bridge 

• Hampshire: Winchester, Southampton 

• Hertfordshire: Hitchin 

• Sussex: Brighton & Hove, Worthing 

• Kent: Ashford 

You can also visit one of our local pharmacy partners by finding a clinic near you. 

Is Hepatitis B the same as Hepatitis A? 

No, Hepatitis B is not the same as Hepatitis A. While both are viral infections that affect the liver, they differ in transmission, severity, and long-term effects: 

Hepatitis A is primarily spread through contaminated food or water and usually causes a short-term infection. It often resolves on its own without causing chronic liver disease. 

Hepatitis B is transmitted through contact with infected bodily fluids, such as blood, semen, or saliva. Unlike hepatitis A, hepatitis B can lead to chronic infection, which may cause serious liver damage, cirrhosis, or liver cancer. 

Both types are preventable with vaccines, but they require separate vaccinations because they are caused by different viruses. 

What are symptoms of Hepatitis B? 

Most people do not develop symptoms of Hepatitis B infection. If symptoms occur in the acute stage of infection, they consist of fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain. Jaundice may also occur. A small subset can develop fatal acute liver failure in the acute stage. 

The incubation period for Hepatitis B infection is long, varying between 60-90 days. The acute illness lasts for about six months and the virus is cleared from the body in most adults. 

However, 5% of adults and 30-50% of children aged 6 years and below develop chronic disease, where the virus persists. Chronic infection with Hepatitis B is associated with progressive liver disease (cirrhosis) and liver cancer. 

What is the schedule for the Hepatitis B vaccine? 

The Hepatitis B vaccine can be given as a standard 3-dose or accelerated 4-dose course. The accelerated course may be given if there is insufficient time for a longer course before travel. The nurse will recommend the most suitable schedule during the consultation. 

What are the consequences if I cannot finish my Hepatitis B vaccine course? 

If you are unable to finish your Hepatitis B vaccine course, you may not receive full protection against the Hepatitis B virus. The complete vaccination schedule typically involves three doses: one initial dose, a second dose 1 month later, and a third dose 6 months after the first. If the course is incomplete, your immunity may not be sufficient, leaving you vulnerable to infection. 

Do you need a Hep B booster every 5 years? 

In travellers, following completion of the full course, immunity is considered to be lifelong. A booster at 5 years is only required if there is high risk travel. For occupational purposes, a booster is required at 5 years and further doses determined by blood testing. 

Can children have the Hepatitis B vaccine? 

Yes, children can have the Hepatitis B vaccine which can be given as a standard 3-dose course or an accelerated 4-dose course. The accelerated course may be given if there is insufficient time for a longer course before travel. The nurse will recommend the most suitable schedule and brand during the consultation. 

Who is not able to have the Hepatitis B vaccine? 

Hepatitis B vaccine should not be given if: 

• There is a history of previous severe allergic reaction to the vaccine or any of the components of the vaccine 

• There is an acute illness with a high temperature (greater than 38.5 degrees Celsius). 

Pregnancy 

The Hepatitis B vaccine can be given to pregnant women if there is significant risk of exposure. Pregnant women who develop Hepatitis B are more likely to have severe infection and the virus is transmitted causing infection in the newborn. 

Breast Feeding 

There is no evidence of harm when breast feeding mother have received inactivated vaccines. Therefore, the vaccine can be given to breast feeding mothers if there is significant risk of exposure. 

Is the Hepatitis B vaccine free on the NHS? 

No, for adults and children who are not in a high-risk group but wish to be vaccinated, the Hepatitis B vaccine is typically available only through private clinics such as CityDoc, where fees apply.  

What additional precautions do I need to take to avoid Hepatitis B? 

To avoid Hepatitis B, especially if you are at higher risk, consider these additional precautions beyond vaccination: 

• Use condoms to reduce the risk of transmission, as Hepatitis B can be spread through sexual contact with an infected person. 

• Do not share razors, toothbrushes, or nail clippers, as these items can carry small amounts of blood that may transmit the virus. 

• Avoid sharing needles or syringes. If you receive any medical or cosmetic procedures (such as tattoos or piercings), ensure that all equipment is properly sterilized. 

• Use gloves if you may come into contact with someone else’s blood or open wounds and properly clean any contaminated surfaces. 

• If travelling, be cautious of medical procedures in places where sterilization practices may be inadequate.