Hepatitis B Vaccine

What is Hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B, also known as Hep B, is a viral illness of the liver that is spread through blood and body fluids.

It usually causes no noticeable symptoms in adults and typically resolves on its own within a few months.

In children, however, it frequently lingers for years and can eventually lead to severe liver damage.

Hepatitis B is less prevalent in the United Kingdom than in other regions of the world, yet certain populations are at particularly high risk.

This includes individuals from high-risk countries, those who inject drugs, and those who engage in unprotected sexual activity with multiple sexual partners.

High Risk areas for Hep B

Hep B can be found throughout the globe, but it is particularly common in the following parts of the world.

• east and southeast Asia

• sub-Saharan Africa

• the Indian subcontinent

• parts of South America

• southern parts of eastern and central Europe

• the Middle East

Majority of the new cases in the UK are found in people who travelled from these high-risk areas.

If you are travelling to these areas, it is recommended that you speak with a travel health expert 6 to 8 weeks before. You might be advised to get vaccinated and also offered advice on other precautions that you can take against Hep B infection.

Main symptoms of Hep B

If you are travelling to a high-risk area or you work in a high-risk occupation, then getting the Hepatitis vaccination is usually recommended. Book a consultation with a travel health expert 6 to 8 weeks prior to travelling.

Even if you’ve been vaccinated against Hepatitis B, you should still take precautions to avoid infection. These include:

• Avoiding unprotected sex.

• do not share injecting equipment such as needles

• Avoid sharing shaving equipment or toothbrush with other people.

  Ensure that sterile equipment is used for tattooing, body piercing and other invasive procedures.

We provide a comprehensive range of travel vaccinations and antimalarials. It is recommended that you book your appointment 6-8 weeks prior to your travel to ensure that you can get the recommended vaccinations on time.