What is Hepatitis B?

Hep B is a highly contagious viral infection that affects the liver and is primarily spread through blood, bodily fluids or from mother to baby during childbirth. Hep B is commonly transmitted through unprotected sex, sharing needles and unsafe medical procedures. Symptoms can include; fatigue, jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes), nausea, hives, abdominal pain and dark urine.

The disease is endemic in many regions around the world. Hepatitis B is commonly found across Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and parts of South America and Eastern Europe. In these regions, the virus is common, and the risk of infection is significant, especially among travellers and residents who practice unprotected sex or share dirty needles.

How to prevent Hepatitis A?

Preventing Hep B involves getting vaccinated, practicing safe sex, avoiding sharing needles and personal items and ensuring safe medical practices. Vaccination is the best preventive measure for Hep B. New borns, children, health care workers and people at high risk should ensure that they are vaccinated. Practicing safe sex is also a vital preventive measure. Using protection during sex will reduce the risk of transmission and avoiding unprotected sex with people whose Hep B status is unknown is recommend. Avoiding sharing needles and personal items is also a good preventive measure. Never share needles, syringes, razors, toothbrushes or nail clippers that may have blood on them. If you are planning to or are getting a tattoo, always ensure that any equipment used is sterilised. You should always ensure safe medical practices by only receiving any healthcare procedures in reputable faculties that follow sterilization procedures.

Are there side effects of the Hepatitis A vaccine?

The hepatitis B vaccine is generally safe. Similar to most vaccines it may cause mild side effects in some people. Serious side effects are rare. Common side effects include; soreness, redness or swelling at the injection site, mild nausea, fatigue or headaches. Rarer side effects include allergic reactions particularly in people with a serve allergy to yeast.

If you experience these or any other side effects after taking the vaccine you should report it to your GP even if you are not certain that the vaccine caused it.

What does a Hepatitis A vaccine cost?

£50 per dose (Adult)
£35 per dose (Paediatric)

Where would I need a Hepatitis A Vaccination?

Africa

South Asia

Parts of South America   

Parts of Eastern Europe

The Middle East