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Travel health.
Clearly explained.

Hepatitis B vaccine

Hepatitis B vaccination protects against a blood-borne viral infection that can cause acute and chronic liver disease.

What is it?

Hepatitis B spreads through infected blood and body fluids. Chronic infection can lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer.

Where it may be relevant

  • Travellers who may have sexual, medical, occupational or tattooing exposure
  • Healthcare and emergency workers
  • Long-stay travellers and people visiting friends and relatives in higher-prevalence settings

Dose schedules.

The clinician will select the appropriate licensed schedule after reviewing age, health, previous doses and departure date.

Standard course

Adults and children

Dose 1Day 0
Dose 2Month 1
Dose 3Month 6

Accelerated course

When product and age allow

Dose 1Day 0
Dose 2Day 7
Dose 3Day 21
Dose 4Month 12

The fourth dose is important for sustained protection.

Who may be eligible

  • Adults and children needing occupational, travel, medical or lifestyle protection
  • People requiring completion of a documented earlier course

Who may not be eligible

  • Anyone with a confirmed severe allergic reaction to a previous dose or a vaccine ingredient
  • People who are acutely unwell with a significant fever may need vaccination deferred
  • Pregnancy, breastfeeding, immune suppression and current medicines must be reviewed individually

Potential side effects

  • Pain, redness or swelling where the injection is given
  • Headache, tiredness, muscle aches or a mild fever
  • Feeling faint around the time of vaccination

Important risks and precautions

  • A severe allergic reaction is very rare and requires urgent treatment
  • Protection is not absolute, so relevant food, water, bite or exposure precautions remain important
  • The exact product and schedule must be confirmed during a clinical assessment

Clinical references

Further information.

Information is general and does not replace a personal assessment, prescribing decision or the latest destination-specific advice.

Frequently asked questions

What does the hepatitis B vaccine protect against?

It protects against hepatitis B and its potential long-term liver complications.

Who should consider the hepatitis B vaccine?

It is considered when blood, sexual, medical or occupational exposure may occur.

How many doses of the hepatitis B vaccine are needed?

A common course is at zero, one and six months; accelerated schedules exist for suitable travellers.

Can I have the hepatitis B vaccine close to departure?

Book an assessment even when departure is close. Whether vaccination can be completed or still provide useful protection depends on the product, previous doses and time available.

Can the hepatitis B vaccine be given with other vaccines?

Many vaccines can be given at the same appointment, but spacing rules can apply to some live vaccines. The clinician will check the products, your history and the proposed schedule.