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Hepatitis B Vaccine Policy
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Policy Statement
The hepatitis B vaccine helps protect against hepatitis B. It's given to all babies and people at higher risk from hepatitis B.
How to get the hepatitis B vaccine
There are different ways to get vaccinated against hepatitis B.
Where to get the hepatitis B vaccine
Who should have it
Babies
How to get it
You'll usually be contacted by your baby's GP surgery (speak to the surgery if you've not been contacted).
People travelling to parts of the world where they have a higher risk of getting hepatitis B
How to get it
From travel vaccination clinics, pharmacies with travel health services and some GP surgeries (you'll usually have to pay)
People at risk through their work
How to get it
Speak to your employer about getting vaccinated
People at risk of hepatitis B from sexual activity
How to get it
Visit a sexual health clinic.
Other people at higher risk
For example because someone in their home has it or they have a condition that raises their risk.
How to get it
Speak to your GP surgery.
How the hepatitis B vaccine is given
- The hepatitis B vaccine is given as an injection into the upper arm or thigh.
- You need at least 3 doses of the vaccine to give you the best protection from hepatitis B.
- There's usually a month gap between each dose, but sometimes 3 doses can be given within 21 days (with a 4th dose at 12 months) if you need faster protection.
- Some people (such as babies exposed to hepatitis B before birth) need more than 3 doses to get the best protection.
Booster doses
You usually only need booster doses of a hepatitis B vaccine if:
- you're a healthcare worker and blood tests show that 3 doses of the vaccine have not given you enough protection from hepatitis B
- you have kidney failure – you may need more doses if a blood test shows your protection has reduced
- you're exposed to hepatitis B (for example, you're bitten by someone or injured by a used needle)
If you are unsure of how to obtain your Hepatitis B immunisation please book an appointment with the GP to discuss further your circumstances.