Hepatitis B Vaccine in London

Hepatitis B vaccines used in the UK are inactivated vaccines. They do not contain live hepatitis B virus, and they cannot give you hepatitis B. The vaccine can be given on its own or, for some travellers, as a combined hepatitis A and B vaccine. It is usually given as an injection into the upper arm, with children assessed according to age, vaccine type and previous immunisation history. A common travel schedule uses doses at 0, 1 and 6 months. Where earlier cover is needed, accelerated schedules may be used, often with doses at 0, 1 and 2 months and a later dose at 12 months. For very late planners, some adult schedules can be quicker still, but they are not suitable for everyone and still need follow-up. Book early if you can. A completed course gives long-lasting protection for most people with a normal immune system, so routine boosters are not usually needed after a full primary course. Certain groups, including some healthcare workers, laboratory workers and people with kidney failure, may need antibody testing or later doses. The vaccine protects against hepatitis B, not hepatitis A, hepatitis C or HIV, so safer sex and avoiding blood exposure still matter.