Hepatitis B
A viral infection that affects the liver. It is caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). The virus is transmitted through blood and body fluids, and can be spread through contaminated needles, sexual contact, and from mother to child during childbirth
The best way to prevent hepatitis B is to get vaccinated.
Price per dose
£49
Frequently Asked Questions
- 2 to 4 doses depending on the programme and vaccine used
- Typical: 3 doses: 0, 1 and 6 months
- Accelerated: 0, 1 and 2 months; a 4th dose at 12 months can be considered for those in certain risk categories
- Very Rapid: 0, 7 and 21 days; 4th dose at 12 months
- Only as part of the primary immunisation programme
- Otherwise for majority of individuals no boosters are required
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The hep B vaccine is safe and effective, and is recommended for all new-borns, children, and adults who are not already immune to the virus
More About
Hepatitis B
Symptoms of hepatitis B may include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, clay-coloured bowel movements, joint pain, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes). Some people with hepatitis B do not have any symptoms, while others may experience severe symptoms.
There are two primary immunisation schedules that can be recommended:
- A 0, 1, 6 months schedule which gives optimal protection at month 7 and produces high antibody concentrations.
- An accelerated schedule, with immunisation at 0, 1 and 2 months, which will confer protection more quickly and is expected to provide better patient compliance. With this schedule, a fourth dose should be administered at 12 months to assure long term protection as antibody concentrations after the third dose are lower than those obtained after the 0,1, 6 months schedule. In infants this schedule will allow for simultaneous administration of hepatitis B with other childhood vaccines.
