Travel vaccine
Hepatitis B Vaccine
Hepatitis B is a viral infection of the liver, spread through blood and body fluids. It's common in many parts of the world, and a course of vaccine gives long-lasting — usually lifelong — protection for travellers who may be exposed.
Key facts
Who it's for
Longer stays, healthcare or aid work, adventure travel, or possible medical/dental care abroad
Vaccination course
3 doses (standard: 0, 1 and 6 months); accelerated schedules available
Minimum age
From birth
Protection
Long-term — usually lifelong after a full course
When to start
Start early — the standard course takes 6 months (rapid options if time is short)
How it spreads
Blood and body fluids
Overview
Hepatitis B is caused by a virus carried in blood and other body fluids. It can be passed on through unprotected sex, contaminated needles or medical and dental equipment, blood transfusions where blood isn't screened, and procedures such as tattoos, piercings or acupuncture. A mother can also pass it to her baby.
Many people clear the infection, but some — especially those infected as children — develop a long-term (chronic) infection that can lead to serious liver damage, including cirrhosis and liver cancer. The vaccine is safe and very effective, and a completed course usually gives lifelong protection.
Risk areas
Hepatitis B occurs worldwide but is much more common in parts of Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, the Pacific Islands, the Middle East, and parts of Eastern Europe and South America. In these areas a significant proportion of the population may carry the virus, increasing the chance of exposure through medical care or close contact.
Risk for travellers
Risk is higher on longer trips, for those working in healthcare or aid, for adventurous travellers and those taking part in activities that could lead to injury, and for anyone who might need medical or dental treatment, have a tattoo or piercing, or have a new sexual partner while away. Vaccination is recommended for travellers whose plans or destinations increase their risk of exposure.
Signs & symptoms
- Often no symptoms at all, especially at first
- Tiredness and a general feeling of being unwell
- Loss of appetite, nausea and tummy discomfort
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
- Dark urine and pale stools
- Joint pain
Vaccine details
The hepatitis B vaccine is given as a course of injections. The standard schedule is three doses over six months (at 0, 1 and 6 months). When time is short, accelerated schedules can be used — for example doses on days 0, 7 and 21–28 with a booster at 12 months. A combined hepatitis A and B vaccine is also available. We'll choose the schedule that best fits your travel date at your appointment.
Book your appointment for Hepatitis B Vaccine right now.
Who should have the hepatitis B vaccine?
Hepatitis B vaccination is worth considering for many travellers, particularly if you are:
- Staying for a longer period, or making repeated trips to affected areas
- Working in healthcare, aid or any role with possible exposure to blood
- Taking part in contact sports or adventurous activities where injury is possible
- Likely to need medical or dental treatment abroad, or planning a tattoo, piercing or new sexual relationship
The vaccination course
The standard course is three doses over six months, which gives the best long-term protection — so it's ideal to start well ahead of travel. If your trip is sooner, an accelerated schedule can be used, with a booster later to lock in long-lasting cover.
A combined hepatitis A and B vaccine can protect against both in one course. We'll confirm the most suitable schedule and any boosters at your appointment.
Possible side effects
Side effects are usually mild and settle quickly:
- Soreness or redness where the injection was given
- Headache, tiredness or a mildly raised temperature
- Aching muscles
- Serious reactions are very rare
Beyond the vaccine: reducing your risk
Vaccination is the main protection, but simple precautions further reduce your risk abroad:
- Avoid sharing needles, razors or toothbrushes
- Use condoms with new partners
- Only have tattoos, piercings or medical procedures where sterile, single-use equipment is used
- Be cautious about unscreened blood products if you need treatment abroad
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
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