Does hepatitis b vaccination treat hepatitis b infection?

The vaccine trains the immune system to recognise hepatitis B before infection occurs. It cannot clear virus already present in the body. A person who has hepatitis B may need blood tests and continuing assessment to understand whether the infection is recent or long-lasting and whether the liver is being affected.

Vaccination may still be useful for people who are not infected and may be recommended for household or sexual contacts, healthcare workers, or others with exposure risk. Testing can help determine whether vaccination, medical care, or both are appropriate.

If you have a positive hepatitis B test, arrange medical care rather than relying on vaccination. Keep appointments for liver assessment and follow advice about medicines, alcohol, and preventing transmission. Do not share razors or toothbrushes, cover bleeding wounds, and discuss testing and vaccination with close contacts. After a recent exposure, seek advice promptly because preventive measures depend on the timing and type of exposure.

Seek urgent help for yellowing of the skin or eyes with confusion, severe vomiting, unusual sleepiness, severe abdominal swelling, or bleeding. Contact a clinician soon for dark urine, pale stools, persistent nausea, right-upper-abdominal discomfort, or marked fatigue. Hepatitis B can sometimes cause few symptoms, so a known exposure or positive result deserves follow-up even when you feel well.

Ask which hepatitis B tests you need, whether the result suggests a recent or long-lasting infection, and how your liver will be monitored. Ask whether household and sexual contacts need testing or vaccination, what precautions are sensible, and whether specialist treatment is indicated.