Guard Your Liver. Live Without Worry

Hepatitis B attacks the liver and spreads through contaminated blood, needles, dental work, and sexual contact. Overseas healthcare can be variable, and injuries can occur while travelling or working. England’s public health report confirms ongoing cases, mainly in unvaccinated adults. Protection by vaccination removes the worry and supports the national elimination target.

Most adults receive three injections: day 0, after one month, and after six months. The accelerated option delivers doses at 0, 1, and 2 weeks with a booster at 12 months, useful when time is short. Both schedules give similar long‑term antibody levels when completed.

Antibodies rise after your second dose, but full protection develops two to four weeks after the final dose. Finish the course as early as possible for reliable cover on high‑risk trips or placements.

UK‑licensed vaccines are inactivated and cannot cause infection. Most people notice only a sore arm for a day. Fewer than one in ten report mild fever or headache. Severe reactions are extremely rare. Tell the pharmacist if you have a yeast allergy.

Yes. The vaccine forms part of the routine infant schedule at 8, 12, and 16 weeks, using a hexavalent product that also covers diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, and Hib. Extra doses are given at birth when mums carry the virus.

The injection can be administered on the same day as typhoid, Hepatitis  A, or yellow fever in separate arms. Your pharmacist will check spacing rules and record each product in your booklet.

For healthy travellers who completed a full primary course, a routine five‑year booster is no longer required. People at ongoing occupational risk may need post‑course antibody testing and occasional boosters if their level falls.