Which disease does the hepatitis B vaccine prevent?

Hepatitis B spreads through infected blood or body fluids. Infection may be short-lived or may persist and cause ongoing liver inflammation. Many people have few or no early symptoms; others notice fatigue, nausea, abdominal discomfort, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or dark urine. A symptom page on [Fatigue] explains that tiredness has many possible causes.

The vaccine trains the immune system to recognise hepatitis B before an infection occurs. It cannot clear an infection already present, and it does not protect against every cause of liver inflammation.

Ask a clinician to review your vaccination history and exposure risks. They can explain whether vaccination is appropriate, how the doses should be spaced, and whether testing is useful. This is especially relevant after contact with blood, before certain work or travel, or when a household or sexual contact has hepatitis B.

Follow the recommended course and keep a record of each dose. Do not share razors, toothbrushes, needles, or equipment that may carry blood. Use the [Hepatitis B Vaccination] page for further prevention information.

Contact a healthcare service urgently after a needlestick, blood splash to the eyes, a bite that breaks skin, or sexual exposure involving a person who may have hepatitis B. Prompt assessment matters even when you feel well.

Arrange a review for persistent fatigue, dark urine, yellow eyes or skin, vomiting, or pain under the ribs. A clinician may consider a [Liver Function Test] and other tests based on your history.

Ask: Is hepatitis B vaccination suitable for me? Have I completed the course? Do I need testing before or after vaccination? What should I do if I have had a recent exposure?