Hepatitis B Vaccination
Hepatitis B is a type of hepatitis, a viral infection which can cause damage to the liver. Unlike hepatitis A, the hepatitis B virus is not usually transmitted via contaminated water but rather via bodily fluids such as blood or via contaminated needles. Hepatitis B can cause a range of flu like symptoms as well as jaundice. It can become chronic and lead to liver damage and failure.
The course consists of three doses. The second injection is given four weeks after the first, and the third injection should be given five months later (completing the course in six months). If travelling at short notice, you may be able to get an accelerated course. You will receive the second injection after seven days, followed by the third injection at least 14 days after the second. To complete the full course in time, you need to get the first dose at least one month before travel. You would require a fourth dose after 1 year to get full immunity.
The quoted price is for each dose of vaccine. A 10% discount is available if all 3 doses are paid up front – please speak to one of our pharmacists to discuss this.
Once you have completed the course, you usually won’t need another booster for five years although they are sometimes recommended after exposure to the disease.