Hepatitis B

Since 2017, hepatitis B vaccination has been part of the UK Immunisation Programme for all babies.

It is also recommended to older children and adults for a range of travel and non-travel purposes:

Travel

• Travellers to areas where hepatitis B is common (including Asia, Africa, Eastern Europe, and South America).

Non-travel

• Adults and children at higher occupational or lifestyle risk, including healthcare workers, first aiders, and anyone exposed to blood or bodily fluids.
• People with multiple sexual partners, or partners who may be at higher risk of carrying the virus.
• Adults with certain medical conditions, such as chronic kidney or liver disease.

Accessing the vaccine

Non-travel purposes may be covered by the NHS. However, the vaccine can also be offered privately by clincis such as ours to individuals or businesses, whether for travel-related protection or for those in higher-risk employment settings.

Hepatitis B is a serious viral infection that can be very difficult for the body to clear once acquired. In many cases it can persist long-term, leading to liver inflammation, cirrhosis, or even liver cancer. Because treatment options are limited, vaccination is often the best and most reliable form of protection.

The full hepatitis B vaccination course usually involves 3 doses given over 6 months. In some cases, such as urgent travel, an accelerated schedule can be used. If a faster course is required, an additional booster at 1 year is often recommended to ensure long-term protection.

Yes - since August 2017, the hepatitis B vaccine has been included in the routine NHS childhood vaccination schedule for babies. It is also available on the NHS for certain high-risk groups, such as healthcare workers or people with specific medical conditions.

For those who require the vaccine for travel-related purposes, it is not available free on the NHS and should instead be arranged through a private clinic like ours.

Hepatitis B is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus. It spreads through blood and bodily fluids, such as through unprotected sex, sharing needles, or needlestick injuries. It can also be passed from mother to baby at birth.

A full course of hepatitis B vaccination usually provides long-term, often lifelong protection. In some situations - for example, healthcare workers or people with higher occupational, lifestyle, or travel-related risk - a booster may be advised after 5–10 years. Antibody levels may also be checked to confirm ongoing immunity.

Most people tolerate the vaccine well. The most common side effects are soreness at the injection site, mild fever, or headache. These usually settle within a day or two. Serious side effects are very rare.