What should you know about use of hepatitis B vaccine?

Hepatitis B is a virus that can affect the liver and may spread through infected blood or body fluids. Vaccination prepares immune defences before exposure. It does not treat an existing hepatitis B infection, so testing and medical assessment may still be needed after a possible exposure.

The schedule can involve more than one dose. Timing depends on the vaccine product, age, immune status, pregnancy, and whether protection is needed quickly after an exposure. A healthcare professional can check your record and select the appropriate schedule.

Discuss vaccination with a clinician if you have not completed a recommended course, work around blood or body fluids, live with someone who has hepatitis B, or may have contact with the virus. Bring any immunisation record you have. If a dose is late, do not restart the course without advice; the clinic can explain the next step.

After vaccination, soreness at the injection site, tiredness, or a mild temperature can occur. Rest, fluids, and the advice provided by your clinic may help. Tell the vaccinator about serious previous reactions, immune problems, or current illness before receiving a dose.

Seek urgent help for trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, widespread hives, fainting, or severe weakness after vaccination. These may signal a serious reaction. Contact a clinician promptly after a possible blood or body-fluid exposure, even if you feel well, because vaccination and other preventive care may be time-sensitive.

Arrange assessment for yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, or unusual tiredness. These symptoms can have several causes and do not by themselves diagnose hepatitis B. Learn more about [Dark Urine](/symptoms/dark-urine/) and [Fatigue](/symptoms/fatigue/) while arranging care.

Ask whether you need a complete vaccine course, which schedule applies to you, and whether blood testing is useful. You can also ask how to handle a missed dose, what symptoms should prompt review, and whether a [Liver Function Test](/treatments/diagnostics-and-screening/liver-function-test/) or hepatitis testing is appropriate.