Hepatitis B is a serious infection which is transmitted by contact with infected blood or body fluids.  Infection may result in acute hepatitis with jaundice, but more often results in the development of a chronic carrier state which may have no associated symptoms (and for which there is no treatment). Carriers pass on the infection for many years and are at a high risk of developing chronic active hepatitis and liver cancer. Hepatitis B is most commonly transmitted by sharing injection equipment, needle-stick injury, sexually or from a carrier mother passing it on to her child at birth or while breast feeding.
 
Since 2000, Hepatitis B has been part of the routine Immunisation Schedule for Children, with doses given at birth, 2, 4 and 6 months. Older children and adults can be immunised – 3 injections are required, with injections 1 and 6 months after the first dose. Subsequent ‘boosters’ are not normally required.

People at high risk of infection (e.g. health care workers and those with reduced immunity) can have a blood test after vaccination to ensure that the course has been effective.

Hepatitis B is also available in combination with hepatitis A vaccine.

The Vaccine:

Hepatitis B is not a live vaccine.

​Since 2000, Hepatitis B has been part of the routine childhood immunisation schedule, with doses given at birth, 2, 4 and 6 months.

Older children and adults can be immunised – 3 injections are required, with injections 1 and 6 months after the first dose. Subsequent ‘boosters’ are not normally required.
​
Hepatitis B is also available in combination with Hepatitis A vaccine.

​People at high risk of infection (e.g. health care workers and those with reduced immunity) can have a blood test after vaccination to ensure that the course has been effective

There is no benefit, or harm, in vaccinating Hepatitis B carriers.
​
Hepatitis B vaccine can be given during pregnancy.

Recommended for:

The following people are strongly advised to be immunised for Hepatitis B:
  • health care workers, dentists, embalmers, tattooists and body piercers
  • police, members of the armed forces and emergency service personnel
  • injecting drug users
  • those with chronic liver disease or Hepatitis C
  • inmates and staff in correctional facilities
  • long-term visitors to areas with high incidence e.g. S.E. Asia and China
  • recipients of blood products e.g. haemophilia 
  • residents and staff in facilities for the intellectually disabled
  • individuals adopting children from areas of high incidence
  • staff in child care centres and schools
  • those involved in contact sports.

The vaccine should not be given if there has been a serious reaction to previous Hepatitis B Vaccine, or if there is a severe allergy to yeast.​

Adverse Reactions:

Adverse reactions are infrequent – most often feeling off-colour and soreness at the site of injection.

Fever is uncommon.