Hepatitis B

Price per dose: £50

Number of doses required: 3

Total price: £150

What is hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that affects the liver and spreads through contact with infected blood or bodily fluids.

Although it’s relatively uncommon in the UK, certain groups are at higher risk, including:

People from, or travelling to, high-risk regions such as Africa, Asia, the Middle East, parts of South America, and Eastern Europe
Individuals who inject recreational drugs
People who have unprotected sex with multiple partners

The virus is present in the blood and body fluids of an infected person and can be transmitted through:

Mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy (especially in countries where hepatitis B is widespread)
Close contact between children in areas where the virus is common
Unprotected sex with an infected person
Sharing drug-use equipment such as needles, spoons, or filters
Receiving tattoos, piercings, or medical/dental treatments with unsterilised equipment
Sharing personal items like razors or toothbrushes with someone carrying the virus

Signs & symptoms of Hepatitis B

Not everyone who contracts hepatitis B develops symptoms — many people experience none or only mild ones. The infection typically lasts between one and three months, but if it persists for more than six months, it’s known as chronic hepatitis B.

Common symptoms of hepatitis B include:

High temperature (fever)
Fatigue or feeling unusually tired
Pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen
Nausea and vomiting
Itchy skin (sometimes appearing as raised patches known as hives)
Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)

If you think you’ve been exposed to hepatitis B, have any of these symptoms, or are at increased risk of infection, contact your GP for advice and testing.

Treating & preventing hepatitis B

Treatment for hepatitis B depends on how long you’ve been infected. If you’ve been exposed to the virus within the last few days, emergency treatment may help prevent infection from developing.

Acute hepatitis B refers to an infection that lasts for a few weeks or months. In most cases, treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and supporting recovery.

Chronic hepatitis B occurs when the infection persists for more than six months. In this case, antiviral medications may be prescribed to help control the virus and lower the risk of liver damage. Ongoing monitoring is essential, and treatment is often long-term or lifelong.

Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent hepatitis B. In the UK, it’s included in the routine six-in-one vaccine given to babies.

Hepatitis B vaccination

If you’re travelling to an area where hepatitis B is common, it’s recommended to get vaccinated to help protect yourself. Vaccination is especially advised for people at higher risk, including:

Travellers visiting high-risk regions such as sub-Saharan Africa, East and Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands
Those adopting or fostering children from high-risk countries
People who inject drugs or have a partner who does
Individuals with multiple sexual partners
Men who have sex with men
Sex workers
People working in professions where exposure to blood or bodily fluids is possible (e.g. nurses, doctors, dentists, prison or laboratory staff)
People receiving regular blood transfusions or blood products, and their carers
Individuals with liver or kidney disease
People living with HIV

Additional steps to reduce your risk of hepatitis B include:

Avoid sharing personal items such as razors, toothbrushes, or needles
Always use protection (a condom or dental dam) during vaginal, anal, or oral sex

Book your travel health consultation

For expert travel health advice and vaccinations, book an appointment online. It’s best to schedule your visit six to eight weeks before you travel, but even if your trip is sooner, it’s still worth seeking professional guidance.