Hepatitis B Vaccination: Who Needs It and Why
Hepatitis B is a serious liver infection that can lead to chronic disease. Find out who should be vaccinated and how Pulteney Pharmacy can help.
Hepatitis B Vaccination: Who Needs It and Why
Hepatitis B is a potentially life-threatening liver infection caused by the Hepatitis B virus (HBV). Unlike Hepatitis A, HBV can cause chronic infection, leading to liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. The good news? It's entirely preventable with vaccination.
Understanding Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is 50-100 times more infectious than HIV. The virus can survive outside the body for at least 7 days, during which time it can still cause infection.
How is Hepatitis B Transmitted?
- Blood-to-blood contact
- Unprotected sexual contact
- From mother to baby during birth
- Sharing needles or drug equipment
- Contaminated medical or dental equipment
- Sharing razors or toothbrushes
- Tattoos and piercings with unsterile equipment
Who is at Risk?
- Travellers to high-prevalence areas (Sub-Saharan Africa, East Asia, the Pacific Islands)
- Healthcare workers
- People who may have unprotected sex abroad
- Those who might receive medical or dental treatment overseas
- Adventure travellers who may have accidents requiring medical care
- People getting tattoos or piercings abroad
- Those visiting friends and relatives in endemic countries
The Hepatitis B Vaccination Schedule
Standard Schedule
- Dose 1: Day 0
- Dose 2: 1 month later
- Dose 3: 6 months after first dose
This provides long-lasting immunity, often for life.
Accelerated Schedule for Travellers
Short on time? We offer accelerated schedules:
- Super-accelerated: Days 0, 7, 21 (with booster at 12 months)
- Accelerated: Days 0, 7, 28 (with booster at 12 months)
These schedules provide earlier protection when travel is imminent.
Combined Hepatitis A + B Vaccine (Twinrix)
If you need both vaccines, Twinrix offers protection against both in a convenient three-dose course.
Why Travellers Should Consider Hepatitis B Vaccination
Even if you don't plan on risky behaviours, accidents happen:
- Road traffic accidents requiring blood transfusions
- Medical emergencies in areas with limited sterile equipment
- Dental emergencies
- Injuries requiring stitches
In many developing countries, blood supplies aren't routinely screened, and medical equipment may be reused.
Protection for Life
Once you've completed the full Hepatitis B course, you're typically protected for life. Unlike many travel vaccines, you won't need regular boosters.
Get Vaccinated at Pulteney Pharmacy
Our travel health specialists can assess your risk and recommend the most appropriate vaccination schedule for your needs.
✔ Walk-in and booked appointments available
✔ Accelerated schedules for last-minute travellers
✔ Combined vaccines to reduce visits
✔ Full documentation for your records
📞 01225 466454 | 📍 35 Great Pulteney Street, Bath