Travel vaccine
Hepatitis B
A course of vaccinations that protects the liver against hepatitis B, a virus spread through blood and bodily fluids.
About hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a viral infection that attacks the liver and can, in some people, become a long-term condition leading to scarring or other serious complications. It spreads through blood and bodily fluids, so risks abroad can include medical or dental treatment with unsterile equipment, tattoos and piercings, sharing items such as razors, and unprotected sex. Many travellers underestimate how easily exposure can happen.
The vaccine
Protection is built up over a course of injections. A standard schedule is spread across several months, but where travel is imminent an accelerated course can be arranged so that you gain a useful level of cover before you leave. The vaccine is widely used, well tolerated and suitable for both adults and children.
Practical travel advice
Hepatitis B vaccination is especially worth considering for longer trips, work placements, volunteering, or travel to regions where healthcare standards vary. Because the course needs time to complete, it is best to plan early. Book a travel consultation at Crewe Pharmacy, 139-141 Nantwich Road, where we will review your itinerary and recommend the right schedule. To get started, call 01270 215837 or visit us in the pharmacy.
How it spreads
Passed on through contact with infected blood or bodily fluids, including unsterile medical or cosmetic equipment and unprotected sex.
Who should be vaccinated
Longer-stay travellers, those visiting areas with limited medical facilities, and anyone likely to need medical or dental care, tattoos or piercings abroad.
Vaccination schedule
Three doses over a few weeks to months; an accelerated schedule is available for those travelling soon
Boosters
A booster is sometimes advised for people at ongoing risk; your clinician will advise if one is needed.
Possible side effects
Soreness where the injection was given, mild fatigue or a slight temperature for a short time afterwards.
Regions where there is a risk
Sub-Saharan Africa, East and Southeast Asia, Pacific Islands, Parts of South America.
Hepatitis B — frequently asked questions
Who needs the hepatitis B vaccine before travelling?
The hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for longer-stay travellers, those visiting areas with limited medical facilities, and anyone who may need medical or dental care, tattoos or piercings abroad. It protects against a virus spread through blood and bodily fluids. We can review your plans at a Crewe Pharmacy consultation and advise whether you need it.
How many doses of the hepatitis B vaccine are needed?
The standard hepatitis B course is three doses given over a few weeks to months. If you are travelling soon, an accelerated schedule can be arranged so you gain useful cover before you leave. Your clinician will recommend the schedule that fits your timeline. Call 01270 215837 to plan the right course for your trip.
Is there an accelerated hepatitis B schedule for travelling soon?
Yes, an accelerated hepatitis B schedule is available for travellers leaving at short notice. It compresses the doses so you can build a useful level of protection before departure, rather than waiting the usual several months. We will check whether it suits your timeline during your consultation. Call 01270 215837 or visit Crewe Pharmacy to arrange it.
How soon before travel should I start the hepatitis B vaccine?
Start the hepatitis B course as early as you can, since the standard schedule runs over several months. Where travel is imminent, an accelerated course can give a useful level of cover before you leave. Planning early gives more options. Book your travel consultation at Crewe Pharmacy by calling 01270 215837 or visiting 139-141 Nantwich Road.
What are the common side effects of the hepatitis B vaccine?
The hepatitis B vaccine is well tolerated, and side effects are usually mild and short-lived. You may notice soreness where the injection was given, mild fatigue or a slight temperature for a short time afterwards. These typically pass quickly. We will talk through what to expect and address any worries at your appointment.
Is the hepatitis B vaccine free on the NHS or private in Crewe?
For travel, the hepatitis B vaccine is a private service at Crewe Pharmacy, priced at £50 per dose, and is not routinely free on the NHS for travellers. The full course is three doses, with an accelerated option for those leaving soon. To arrange it, call 01270 215837 or visit 139-141 Nantwich Road.
How much does the hepatitis B vaccine cost at Crewe Pharmacy?
The hepatitis B vaccine costs £50 per dose at Crewe Pharmacy, and the course usually involves three doses. An accelerated schedule is available if you are travelling soon. We will confirm the total based on the schedule you need. To get started, call 01270 215837 or pop into 139-141 Nantwich Road in Crewe.
Which destinations carry a hepatitis B risk?
Hepatitis B is more common in Sub-Saharan Africa, East and Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands and parts of South America. Exposure can come from unsterile medical or cosmetic equipment, tattoos, piercings or unprotected sex. Tell us your destination and plans at your Crewe Pharmacy consultation and we will advise on the right protection.