Hepatitis B Vaccination
The hepatitis B vaccine protects against a viral infection of the liver spread through blood and body fluids. It is recommended for many travellers and for people at occupational or lifestyle risk.
£50 per dose — 3 dose course
Who it is for
Travellers to regions where hepatitis B is common and people with occupational or lifestyle risk, including those who may need medical or dental care abroad.
Number of doses
A three-dose course, with accelerated schedules available when protection is needed sooner.
When to have it
Ideally start at least 8 weeks before travel so the course can be completed in good time.
How long protection lasts
A completed course is thought to give long-lasting, often lifelong protection in most healthy people.
How it is given
An injection into the upper arm muscle.
Price
£50 per dose
Quick answer
The hepatitis B vaccine protects against a liver infection spread through blood and body fluids, and is given as a three-dose course. It is recommended for many travellers to higher-risk regions and for people with occupational or lifestyle risk. The hepatitis B vaccine is available at Crewe Travel Clinic in Crewe, Cheshire.
About Hepatitis B Vaccination
Hepatitis B is a viral infection that affects the liver. It is spread through contact with infected blood and body fluids, for example through unprotected sex, sharing needles, medical or dental procedures abroad, tattoos and piercings, or from mother to baby. While many people recover, some go on to develop long-term (chronic) infection that can lead to serious liver damage.
The hepatitis B vaccine is an inactivated vaccine that prompts the body to build protection against the virus. It is normally given as a three-dose course, and accelerated schedules are available when protection is needed more quickly.
Vaccination is recommended for travellers to areas where hepatitis B is common, particularly those who may need medical care abroad or who have higher-risk activities, as well as for people with occupational exposure such as healthcare workers. At Crewe Travel Clinic we can advise on the most appropriate schedule for your needs.
Timing
Start at least 8 weeks before travel where possible
The standard course is given over several months, but accelerated schedules can be used when travel is sooner, sometimes with a later booster to confirm long-term protection.
Effectiveness
Highly effective
A completed course produces protective antibodies in the large majority of healthy people, giving strong protection against hepatitis B.
Duration
Long-term
A completed course is thought to provide long-lasting, often lifelong protection in most people, though a booster may be advised for some at continued risk.
Signs & symptoms
- Tiredness and general aches
- Loss of appetite and feeling sick
- Tummy (abdominal) pain
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
- Dark urine and pale stools
- Long-term liver damage in some people with chronic infection
Who should consider this vaccine?
The hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for travellers to regions where the virus is common, especially those staying for longer periods, taking part in higher-risk activities, or who may need medical or dental treatment abroad. It is also advised for people with occupational risk such as healthcare and laboratory workers. Protection is particularly worthwhile for anyone who could be exposed to blood or body fluids while away.
High Risk Areas
Traveller Risk Factors
Who should have this vaccine
The hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for travellers to areas where the virus is common, particularly those staying for longer periods, taking part in higher-risk activities, or who may need medical or dental treatment while abroad. It is also advised for people with occupational or lifestyle risk in the UK. A travel health consultation can help you decide whether vaccination is appropriate for your circumstances.
- Long-stay travellers, backpackers and those visiting friends and relatives
- People likely to need medical, dental or cosmetic procedures abroad
- Those considering tattoos or piercings while travelling
- Healthcare, laboratory and care workers with occupational exposure
The vaccination course
Hepatitis B is normally given as a three-dose course over several months. When travel is sooner, an accelerated schedule with closer-spaced doses may be used, sometimes followed by a later dose to help confirm long-term protection. The most suitable schedule depends on how soon you are travelling and your individual risk.
- Standard course given over several months
- Accelerated schedules available for sooner travel
- Given by injection into the upper arm
- We will advise on the best schedule for your needs
How long does protection last
A completed course produces protective antibodies in the large majority of healthy people and is thought to provide long-lasting, often lifelong protection. A booster dose is not routinely needed for most people, but it may be advised for some who remain at continued risk, such as certain healthcare workers.
- Completed course gives strong, long-lasting protection
- Routine boosters are not usually required
- A booster may be advised for some at continued risk
- Antibody testing may be offered to specific occupational groups
Possible side effects
Side effects of the hepatitis B vaccine are usually mild and short-lived. Most people have no more than some soreness around the injection site. Serious reactions are rare. If you have any concerns after vaccination, our team is happy to advise.
- Soreness, redness or swelling at the injection site
- Tiredness or a mild headache
- Mild raised temperature or aching
- Serious allergic reactions are rare