Hepatitis type B vaccine

The hepatitis type B vaccine is not part of the scheduled vaccination series, but it may be recommended for people who have a high risk of developing hepatitis B and those who are set to journey to countries where hepatitis B is common.

Who should have the hepatitis B vaccination?

The following groups of people may have an elevated threat of developing hepatitis B, so it is prudent to have the hepatitis B vaccination:

• Babies that are born to mothers who have hepatitis B.
• Patients who have blood transfusions on a regular basis.
• Friends and family members of people who have hepatitis B.
• People who have liver disease.
• People who work in high risk occupations, including doctors, nurses, laboratory technicians and prison wardens.
• People who are travelling to countries where hepatitis B is common, including the Solomon Islands, Fiji, Hawaii, South East Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.
• Families who are planning to adopt a child from a country where hepatitis B is common.
• People who have chronic kidney disease.
• People who work in the sex industry.
• People who have several sexual partners.
• Gay men.
• People who inject drugs.

Vaccination

The hepatitis B vaccine is available from your GP surgery, local GUM (genitourinary medicine) clinics and sexual health clinics. The vaccine is given in three doses over a period of between 4 and 6 months. One month after the final dose a blood test is taken to check that the injections have been effective. Once you have had the immunisation and it has worked, you should be protected for a period of five years.

The hepatitis B injection is usually available free of charge for people who have a high chance of developing the disease. However, GPs may charge if the injection is given in relation to foreign travel.

Anyone who has been exposed to hepatitis B should be vaccinated and given an injection of immunoglobulin as soon as possible; Immunoglobulin is a form of antibody.

About hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a viral condition which impacts on the liver and causes it to become irritated. It is possible for Hepatitis B to be spread via sexual contact and via sharing needles.

Symptoms

It can take a long time (up to 160 days) for symptoms to develop, which is why many people may be unaware that they have been infected. Symptoms of hepatitis include:

• Nausea.
• Sickness.
• Loss of appetite.
• Flu-like symptoms and generally feeling unwell.
• Jaundice (when the skin and whites of the eyes appear yellowy).

Treatment for hepatitis B

In cases of acute hepatitis B, most people recover fully without any formal treatment after a period of 2-3 months and painkillers can help to ease symptoms. Treatment for chronic hepatitis B involves interferon injections (interferon prevents the virus from reproducing) and antiviral medication.