Your one stop Vaccination Clinic

Hepatitis B Vaccine

Hepatitis B Vaccine

We provide a full range of travel vaccinations and medication

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is caused by a viral infection of the liver by the hepatitis B virus (BHV).

Cases occur all over the world but are most common in East Asia and Sub Saharan Africa. of the liver spread by direct contact with the blood or body fluids of an infected person. It occurs worldwide with highest rates reported in parts of East Asia, Sub Saharan Africa, the Amazon, southern, eastern and central Europe, the Middle East and the Indian subcontinent.

Acute infection may occasionally lead to fulminant hepatic necrosis which is often fatal.

Transmission is via infected body of bodily fluids from one person to another. This can be through vaginal or anal intercourse, sharing of needles and perinatal transmission from mother to child.

Vaccination Pricing

£55 Per dose
£165 Per Course of 3

Signs & Symptoms

In the majority of cases of hepatitis B symptoms do not occur.

Symptoms more commonly occur in adults than children and may include:

  • Often asymptomatic

  • Other symptoms, experienced by adults more often are; jaundice, abdominal pain & loss of appetite

  • Untreated infection may lead to liver failure

Would you like to find out if you have immunity to Hepatitis B?

We now provide an in-clinic Hepatitis immunity blood test for £49.00

Claines Pharmacy & Travel Clinic

General Contact & Travel Vaccination

Tel: 01905 453 703

Email: worcestertravelclinic@raylane.co.uk

Claines Pharmacy 153 Ombersley Rd, Worcester, WR3 7BX

Evans Pharmacy & Travel Clinic

General Contact & Travel Vaccination

Tel: 01684 575 216

Email: malverntravelclinic@raylane.co.uk

Evans Pharmacy 231 Worcester Rd, Malvern, WR14 1SU

The Vaccination – Hepatitis B vaccine

Ages (Years) Doses Required Schedule Time before travel Boost required at
2 – 15 3 to 4 (paed) 0, 1, 2months + at 1 year** Up to day before* 5 years
16 – 85 3 to 4 0, 7, 21days + at 1 year** Up to day before* 5 years

*Vaccine most effective if given time to become active. Some immunity will be provided for this vaccine if given up to the day before travel.

** accelerated schedule shown. See Pharmacist for 16-18 years old accelerated schedule.

 

Hepatits A & Hepatitis B Combined vaccine

Ages (Years) Doses Required Schedule Time before travel Boost required at
16-85 3 to 4 0, 7, 21 days, + at 1 year** Up to day before* See specialist pharmacist

*Vaccine most effective when given plenty of time to develop immunity. Some immunity will be present if the vaccine is given up to the day before travel.

**accelerated schedule. Full protection not given until final dose at 1 year. Will give adequate protection if leaving sooner.

Hepatitis B is a serious liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV), which can lead to both acute and chronic disease. It is considered a major global health problem, particularly because of its potential to cause long-term liver damage, including cirrhosis, liver cancer, and liver failure. Unlike hepatitis A, which does not result in chronic infection, hepatitis B can persist in the body for years or even for life, especially when contracted during infancy or early childhood. The virus attacks liver cells, causing inflammation and scarring over time. Globally, millions of people live with chronic hepatitis B, often without knowing they are infected. The disease is vaccine-preventable, and widespread immunisation programmes have significantly reduced its incidence in many parts of the world. However, it remains endemic in areas such as sub-Saharan Africa, East and Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands. Early diagnosis and management are crucial to prevent complications and reduce transmission to others.

Hepatitis B is primarily spread through contact with infected blood and bodily fluids. Common routes of transmission include unprotected sexual contact, sharing needles or syringes, mother-to-child transmission during childbirth, and through accidental needle-stick injuries in healthcare settings. The virus is highly infectious – in fact, significantly more so than HIV – and can survive outside the body for up to seven days. In less developed healthcare systems, transmission can also occur via contaminated medical or dental equipment. Hepatitis B is not spread through casual contact such as hugging, sharing food, or coughing and sneezing. Prevention strategies focus strongly on vaccination, which provides robust long-term immunity. Additional preventive measures include practising safe sex, avoiding sharing personal items like razors or toothbrushes, using sterile equipment for tattoos or piercings, and implementing rigorous infection control procedures in clinical settings. For newborns born to infected mothers, a combination of vaccine and hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) administered shortly after birth can dramatically reduce the risk of infection.

Symptoms of hepatitis B vary significantly between individuals and are often absent in the early stages, especially in children. When symptoms do occur, they typically emerge within one to four months after exposure to the virus. Common signs include fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain – particularly around the liver area – and muscle or joint aches. A distinctive darkening of urine and light-coloured stools may also be noticed. Jaundice, which causes a yellowing of the skin and eyes, is a more recognisable symptom and usually indicates liver involvement. In acute cases, these symptoms may last for several weeks but usually resolve with time. However, in some individuals – particularly those who acquire the virus at birth or during early childhood – the infection becomes chronic and may remain asymptomatic for many years, silently damaging the liver. This asymptomatic phase often delays diagnosis until complications such as cirrhosis or liver cancer arise. Regular liver function tests and monitoring are essential for managing long-term cases.

The hepatitis B vaccine provides long-lasting protection and is highly effective in preventing infection. The standard vaccination course consists of three doses administered over six months. Once the full course is completed, most individuals develop protective antibodies that offer immunity for at least 20 to 30 years, and likely for life in healthy individuals. In the UK, the hepatitis B vaccine is part of the routine childhood immunisation schedule, and infants receive it as part of the 6-in-1 vaccine. While antibody levels may decline over time, immune memory typically remains intact, meaning the body can mount a rapid and effective response if exposed to the virus later. Therefore, booster doses are generally not necessary for healthy individuals. However, certain groups at ongoing risk – such as healthcare workers, dialysis patients, and individuals with weakened immune systems – may require periodic testing and booster shots based on their antibody levels to ensure continued protection.

Hepatitis B vaccination is strongly recommended for travellers visiting countries where the virus is endemic or where medical and sanitation standards may be lower. This includes much of sub-Saharan Africa, East and Southeast Asia (including China, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines), the Indian subcontinent, parts of the Middle East, and the Pacific Islands. Eastern Europe and parts of South America also have moderate to high levels of hepatitis B. While short-term holidaymakers may face a lower risk, travellers engaging in activities that increase exposure – such as receiving medical or dental treatment abroad, undergoing body piercings or tattoos, or having new sexual partners – should be vaccinated. The vaccine is also advised for those travelling for extended periods, volunteers working in healthcare or community settings, and anyone likely to be in contact with local populations in higher-risk environments. As the virus can be contracted through blood and bodily fluids, any situation involving potential exposure should prompt serious consideration of vaccination before travel.

The hepatitis B vaccine is safe and well-tolerated by the vast majority of individuals. Most side effects are minor and temporary, with the most common being redness, swelling, or soreness at the injection site. Some people may experience mild symptoms such as fatigue, headache, low-grade fever, or a general feeling of being unwell. These typically resolve within a day or two without the need for treatment. Serious side effects are extremely rare but may include allergic reactions. Signs of an allergic response could include difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or a widespread rash, in which case immediate medical attention is required. As with all vaccines, the benefits of hepatitis B immunisation far outweigh the risks, especially given the severity of the disease it prevents. The vaccine does not contain live virus and cannot cause infection. It is suitable for most people, including infants, and is often combined with other vaccines as part of a routine immunisation schedule or travel health programme.

Use the map below to identify areas of risk for travel.

Simply call the clinic of your choice or send us an email enquiry, and our travel specialists will get back to you as soon as possible.

We’re Waiting To Help You

The Worcester Travel Clinic offers a wide range of vaccines and travel vaccinations.

Contact us today to get your and your loved ones protected.

Same Day Appointments

We are pleased to offer same-day appointments at Worcester Travel Clinic, to ensure you receive prompt and efficient care when you need it most.

Expert Pharmacists

Our team includes expert pharmacists who are dedicated to providing you with personalised and professional healthcare advice.

Competitive Pricing

We offer competitive pricing on our vaccinations to ensure that essential healthcare is both affordable and accessible to everyone.

Striving to cover all your health and medical treatment requirements

We offer a wide range of medical treatments for you and your loved ones.

get in touch