Hepatitis B Vaccinations in Hitchin
Do I need a Hepatitis B vaccine?
The Hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for people who may be at a higher risk of coming into contact with the Hepatitis B virus.
Who the vaccine is recommended for
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Healthcare and laboratory workers
Anyone who may come into contact with blood or bodily fluids as part of their job, such as doctors, nurses, dentists, or lab staff, is at increased risk and should be protected. -
People travelling to higher-risk areas
The vaccine is advised for those travelling to or living in parts of the world where Hepatitis B is more common, particularly if they may need medical treatment, have close contact with local populations, or stay for extended periods. -
Individuals with lifestyle risk factors
This includes people who may be exposed through unprotected sex, multiple partners, or sharing needles or equipment (for example, drug use, tattoos, or piercings in unregulated settings). -
Close contacts of infected individuals
Household members or sexual partners of someone with Hepatitis B are at higher risk and should be vaccinated. -
People with certain medical conditions
Individuals with chronic liver disease, kidney disease, or those requiring frequent blood transfusions or dialysis may be more vulnerable and benefit from vaccination. -
Babies born to infected mothers
These infants are routinely offered the vaccine at birth to prevent transmission.
Why vaccination is important
Hepatitis B can lead to long-term liver damage, including cirrhosis and liver cancer. Vaccination provides effective, long-lasting protection and is the best way to prevent infection, particularly for those at increased risk.
Course
To achieve the best possible immunity, three doses are required. If you are following the accelerated course, a fourth dose is needed after 12 months.
Boosters
If 3 doses given before travel (accelerated course) a booster should be given at 1 year.
How is it given
Injection in the upper arm
How long does it last
The full course offers lifetime protection unless exposed to the disease.
Side effects
Common side effects are soreness at the injection site and fever.
Children
Suitable from 8 weeks of age.
Additional precautions
Practice safe sex (use a condom). For high-risk countries consider carrying a sterile kit.
Certificate requirements
No certification required.
Common and rare side effects of the Hepatitis B Vaccine
Common Side Effects
These are usually mild and settle within a few days:
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Pain, redness or swelling at the injection site
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Tiredness
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Mild fever
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Headache
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Feeling generally unwell
What to Expect
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Side effects usually occur within a day or two of vaccination
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Most are mild and short-lived
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Rest, fluids and simple pain relief such as paracetamol may help if required
Less Common Side Effects
Less commonly, some people may experience:
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Nausea
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Dizziness
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Rash or itching
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Swollen glands
Very Rare but Serious Side Effects
A severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) can occur, although this is extremely rare.
Symptoms may include:
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Difficulty breathing
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Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat
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A widespread rash
Vaccination is carried out in settings where this can be recognised and treated immediately.
Overall
The Hepatitis B vaccine has an excellent safety record and is used worldwide. Most people experience no significant problems following vaccination, and the benefits of protection against Hepatitis B infection greatly outweigh the risk of side effects.
How effective is the Hepatitis B vaccine?
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.
How long does the Hepatitis B vaccine last?
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.
How far in advance should I get vaccinated for Hepatitis B before travelling?
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.
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.
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:
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There is a history of previous severe allergic reaction to the vaccine or any of the components of the vaccine
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There is an acute illness with a high temperature (greater than 38.5 degrees Celsius).
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Pregnancy
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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.
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Breast Feeding
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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.
