Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is an infection that affects the liver and is spread through the blood, semen and vaginal fluids

Hepatitis B is found worldwide and prevalence is highest in East Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa

Severity

An infection can make the liver suddenly stop working and cause serious damage over time or cause cancer

Vaccination against hepatitis B can reduce your chances of getting infected.

Transmission of disease

Transmission from birth mother-child (perinatal transmission)

Contact with contaminated blood (sharing needles, blood transfusion, injections)

Vaginal or anal intercourse

Common Symptoms

• Fever
• Gastro-intestinal upset
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea
• Abdominal pain
• Extreme fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Jaundice

Administration

Hepatitis B is given in 3 doses and if the full course is given can protect for up to 20 years.

Preventing Infection

Use of sterile needles and avoid needle-stick injuries/situations (avoid getting tattoos or body piercing abroad)

Do not share personal items that can be infected (shaving devices/razors, toothbrushes)

Practice safe sex

Vaccination against this disease

Side Effects post vaccination

Common side effects like many other vaccines include;

• Redness at site, irritation/swelling at site of the arm
• Raised temperature/fever
• Tiredness and fatigue

Ask your pharmacist about managing side effects. Seek medical advice if symptoms are severe, persistent or worrying.

Our travel clinic guide covers booking and the vaccination price list. If you are looking for information about a different hepatitis vaccine, read our hepatitis A page. The pharmacist will discuss your individual requirements.