Hepatitis B is a viral liver infection which causes flu-like symptoms and in more severe causes symptoms include jaundice due to liver damage. Hepatitis B is passed through the body fluids or blood and is commonly passed through unprotected sex. There is a risk of contracting the disease if you travel to areas including Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East and Southern and Eastern Europe.
You need three doses of the vaccine for full protection. The second dose is usually given one month after the first dose. The third dose is given five months after the second dose.
One to four months after the third dose you may need to have a blood test. You may need one if you are at risk of infection at work, especially as a healthcare or laboratory worker or if you have certain kidney diseases. Your doctor will be able to advise you if you need a blood test. This checks if you have made antibodies against the hepatitis B virus and are immune.
Hepatitis B vaccine can be given to people of all ages and duration of protection lasts for at least 20 years.
