Hepatitis B is a viral infection of the liver spread by direct contact with the blood or body fluids of an infected person. It occurs worldwide with the highest rates reported in parts of East Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. Higher rates of infection are also found in the Amazon, southern parts of Eastern and Central Europe, the Middle East and the Indian subcontinent. The rates of infection in Western Europe and North America are low.
Risk for travellers is low although certain behaviours or activities put individuals at higher risk, particularly when these occur in areas where Hepatitis B is more common.
These behaviours and activities include:
In the majority of cases of hepatitis B symptoms do not occur. Symptoms more commonly occur in adults than children and may include: jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), loss of appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Persistent Hepatitis B infection develops in 80 to 90 percent of those infected in the first year of life and in only five percent of those infected in adult years. Persistent infection may lead to liver failure or liver cancer.
All travellers should avoid contact with blood and bodily fluids by:
Several well-tolerated vaccines exist for Hepatitis B, including combined Hepatitis A/B products. It is recommended to vaccinate all travellers at risk. The initial Hepatitis B vaccination schedule consists of 3 injections administered at varying intervals based on urgency.
According to Public Health England, travellers who have completed a Hepatitis B vaccine course do not need a single booster dose after five years, unless they face ongoing infection risks. Individuals with kidney failure or those at occupational exposure risk, particularly healthcare and laboratory workers, should consider a blood test to assess Hepatitis B surface antibody levels and immunity.
Get your Hepatitis B vaccine in Stoke-on-Trent today!
Hepatitis B (Adult) – three doses at £55 each
Hepatitis B (Paeds) – three doses at £55 each
Hepatitis A and B (Paediatric) – £82 each
Find out what vaccines you need for your destination and book your appointment now.