How effective is hepatitis b vaccination for hepatitis b infection?

The vaccine trains the immune system to recognise hepatitis B before exposure. It cannot remove virus already established in the liver. Blood tests can distinguish vaccination, past exposure, and current infection, so a positive result should be interpreted by a clinician rather than used to decide on another dose. People with chronic infection may need liver assessment, monitoring, and antiviral treatment depending on their results and health.

Tell your clinician whether you have completed vaccination and whether you have ever tested positive for hepatitis B. Ask for the appropriate blood tests before assuming that vaccination is the answer. If infection is confirmed, attend follow-up and ask how to protect household or sexual contacts, who may need testing or vaccination. Avoid sharing razors or toothbrushes and discuss alcohol and medicines that may affect the liver.

Arrange prompt medical review for yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, pale stools, persistent vomiting, increasing abdominal swelling, unusual sleepiness, or confusion. Seek urgent help for severe confusion, vomiting blood, or heavy bleeding. Vaccination status does not explain these symptoms, and suspected hepatitis needs proper testing and assessment.

Which hepatitis B blood tests do I need? Do my results show current infection, past exposure, or protection from vaccination? Should contacts be tested, and do I need liver monitoring or treatment?