Hepatitis B Immunisations Policy

 

The hepatitis B vaccine helps protect against hepatitis B. It's given to all babies and people at higher risk from hepatitis B.

 

How to get the hepatitis B vaccine

There are different ways to get vaccinated against hepatitis B.

Where to get the hepatitis B vaccine

Who should have it

How to get it

Babies

You'll usually be contacted by your baby's GP surgery (speak to the surgery if you've not been contacted)

People travelling to parts of the world where they have a higher risk of getting hepatitis B

From travel vaccination clinics, pharmacies with travel health services and some GP surgeries (you'll usually have to pay)

People at risk through their work

Speak to your employer about getting vaccinated

People at risk of hepatitis B from sexual activity

Visit a sexual health clinic

Other people at higher risk (for example because someone in their home has it or they have a condition that raises their risk)

Speak to your GP surgery

 

 

How the hepatitis B vaccine is given

The hepatitis B vaccine is given as an injection into the upper arm or thigh.

You need at least 3 doses of the vaccine to give you the best protection from hepatitis B.

There's usually a month gap between each dose, but sometimes 3 doses can be given within 21 days (with a 4th dose at 12 months) if you need faster protection.

Some people (such as babies exposed to hepatitis B before birth) need more than 3 doses to get the best protection.

Booster doses

You usually only need booster doses of a hepatitis B vaccine if:

  • you're a healthcare worker and blood tests show that 3 doses of the vaccine have not given you enough protection from hepatitis B
  • you have kidney failure – you may need more doses if a blood test shows your protection has reduced
  • you're exposed to hepatitis B (for example, you're bitten by someone or injured by a used needle)

 

If you are unsure of how to obtain your Hepatitis B immunisation, please book an appointment with the GP to discuss further your circumstances.