The Hepatitis B vaccine is a safe and effective vaccine. The vaccine does not contain the live virus, and therefore cannot cause a Hepatitis B infection.

Instead, It will cause your body to produce its own protection (antibodies) against the disease. These antibodies will remain in your body for the rest of your life.

No. The Hepatitis B vaccine prevents you from getting the infection. It does not cure the infection.

The Hepatitis B vaccine can be offered to those who:

• Have had a potential high-risk exposure (such as sexual assault or when needles have been shared) within the last few hours. The vaccine can be used to potentially minimise the risk of infection and should be ideally provided within 24-48 hours.
• Regularly have blood transfusions.
• Are of a high risk categories, such as sex workers, drug users, engage in chemsex, travelling to or from a country with high prevalence of Hepatitis B.
• Are close family (or sexual partners) of someone infected with Hepatitis B.
• Are at risk of being in contact with blood or bodily fluids (such as nurses, doctors, dentists, and others in a healthcare related position).
• Are men who have sex with men.
• Are infected with the Hepatitis C virus.

Those who are severely unwell will be advised to wait until they recover before having the vaccine.

Those who are showing signs of an allergic reaction to their first dose of Hepatitis B should not receive any further doses.

The Hepatitis B vaccine is extremely effective.

According to the NHS, 9 in 10 adults who are vaccinated against Hepatitis B develop immunity. There are a few groups of people where the vaccine may not be as effective in providing immunity. This includes those who:

• Smoke
• Are obese
• Are dependant on alcohol

There are different times that you can be vaccinated for Hepatitis B throughout your life.

• Most babies born after 2017 are vaccinated from birth or childhood.
  It is also recommended to have the Hepatitis B vaccine during pregnancy.
• If you are of a high risk category, or you are travelling to a high risk country, the best time to have the vaccine is before any known or potential exposure can occur.
• This provides enough time to build up your immunity against the virus so that you remain protected.
• If you have had an episode of known or potential exposure to the virus, and you have not been vaccinated before, it is recommended that you seek medical advice immediately to see if you are eligible to have the Hepatitis B vaccine as a preventative measure.

If you are already infected with Hepatitis B, having the vaccine will not benefit you but might benefit those you live with, or any partners you have.

If you have been exposed to Hepatitis B in the last 2 weeks it is essential that you get vaccinated. If 2 weeks have passed since your last exposure, it is too late to get vaccinated

Common side effects include pain and bruising at the injection site, headaches, tiredness, nausea, diarrhoea or pain in the stomach, and generally feeling unwell. These side effects should resolve on their own within a few days.

Uncommon and rare side effects include dizziness, aching muscles, flu-like symptoms, pins and needles, swollen glands and hives.

Serious side effects are very rare. Should you experience any of these rare side effects, please contact your healthcare provider, 111, and in cases of a possible emergency 999.

It may not be necessary to attend regular screening after you have completed your vaccinations. Some people will need screening based on clinical assessment, risk and pre-existing illnesses.

Always remember that it is not impossible to contract Hepatitis B once vaccinated. If you are someone that regularly engages in activities which may be considered high risk it is important to go for regular STI screening.

Generally most people who are vaccinated with Hepatitis B vaccines are immune for life. However, if someone is at high risk then vaccine boosters or checks for immunity may be recommended. Evidence about this is ever-changing and conflicting.

The NHS provides routine blood testing for Hepatitis B as part of pregnant women’s antenatal care.

Particular focus is paid to ensuring that pregnant women are protected against the Hepatitis B virus as any potential Hepatitis B infection can lead to a severe case of the disease in the mother and a chronic infection for the baby.

If you are pregnant and also considered high risk, you will be offered the vaccine to protect you and your baby against being infected with the virus. The NHS states that taking the vaccine poses an insignificant risk to the baby and is very unlikely to cause any problems in development.

There is no evidence that vaccinating pregnant or breastfeeding mothers against Hepatitis B carries a risk.

All babies should be vaccinated against Hepatitis B. Hepatitis B can persist in children’s bodies for many years and cause irreversible complications such as cirrhosis and liver cancer.

The Hepatitis B vaccine is included in the 6-in-1 vaccine offered to babies at 8, 12, and 16 weeks of age. You can read more about the 6-in-1 vaccine here.

Babies born to Hepatitis B infected mothers need to be vaccinated. They will be given a dose 14 hours after their birth, followed by doses at 4, 8, 12, and 16 weeks old, with their final dose being administered at 1 years old.