Hepatitis B vaccination: what to know

It prevents new infection; it does not remove an infection that is already present. A clinician can review your vaccination record and advise whether you need to start, continue, or repeat any part of the course.

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that affects the liver and can spread through infected blood and certain body fluids. Vaccination trains the immune system to recognise the virus before a future exposure. It is used routinely in childhood and may also be recommended later for people who were not vaccinated, have an incomplete record, or have a particular exposure risk. The schedule can differ with age, health circumstances, and the vaccine product used.

Find any previous vaccination record and take it to your GP, vaccination clinic, or occupational health service. Follow the dates given for the remaining doses and keep the updated record. If a dose is delayed, contact the clinic for the next date rather than assuming the whole course must be restarted. Mention pregnancy, medicines that suppress immunity, dialysis, a previous serious vaccine reaction, or a known recent exposure before vaccination so the clinician can tailor advice.

Soreness at the injection site, tiredness, or a mild fever can occur after vaccination and generally settle. Rest, fluids, and moving the arm gently may help. A clinician can advise which pain relief is suitable for you if needed.

Contact a healthcare service promptly after possible contact with infected blood, a needlestick injury, unprotected sexual contact with someone known to have hepatitis B, or a bite that broke the skin. Do not wait for symptoms, because time-sensitive preventive treatment may be considered alongside vaccination.

Arrange medical assessment if you develop yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, pale stools, persistent vomiting, marked fatigue, or pain in the upper right abdomen. Call emergency services for breathing difficulty, swelling of the face or throat, widespread hives, faintness, or collapse after a vaccine, as these can signal a severe allergic reaction.

Ask whether your existing record shows a complete course, which schedule applies to you, and what to do if a planned dose was missed. If you may have been exposed, describe when and how it happened and ask whether testing or additional preventive treatment is needed. People with reduced immune function can also ask whether a blood test to check their response is appropriate.