Hepatitis B Vaccine
The most effective method of preventing Hepatitis B infection is through vaccination. The Hepatitis B vaccine is safe and highly effective. If you plan to travel to high risk areas, it is essential to assess your risk and take appropriate precautions to safeguard your health.
We offer a wide range of travel vaccinations in our Birmingham clinic. Whether you need vaccinations for travel purposes or for work, we are here to help you. We offer free travel consultations so you can travel safely and confidently.
£65 per dose
Primary course of 3 vaccines
In childhood schedule
Free Travel Consultations
Stay protected during your travels with our Travel Vaccination Consultation. Our expert medical team will guide you on essential vaccinations, helping prevent diseases uncommon in the UK. Learn how to minimise the risk of exposure and ensure a safe and healthy journey.
Travel Vaccinations
What is Hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B is a viral infection that primarily targets the liver, leading to acute illness and potentially causing long-lasting damage. This global health challenge affects millions of individuals across nearly every continent. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there were approximately 296 million cases of Hepatitis B in 2019, resulting in an alarming 820,000 deaths attributed to liver damage and liver cancer. The highest concentration of cases can be found in the WHO Western Pacific and African regions.
Unlike Hepatitis A, which is typically self-limiting, Hepatitis B can lead to chronic liver problems and does not have specific treatments other than antiviral agents that help slow down disease progression. Infants and children are particularly vulnerable, as approximately 95% of cases in this age group result in significant long-term liver issues. Conversely, only 5% of adult infections lead to chronic hepatitis. It’s crucial to note that many individuals newly infected with Hepatitis B may not experience any symptoms initially. However, some people may develop jaundice, dark urine, fatigue, nausea, and abdominal pains, which can eventually lead to liver failure and, in severe cases, even death. Long-term carriers of the virus are also at risk of developing chronic liver damage and liver cancer.
Hepatitis B Vaccine
The most effective method of preventing Hepatitis B infection is through vaccination. The Hepatitis B vaccine is safe and highly effective. In fact, it was introduced into the UK childhood immunisation schedule in 2017. The vaccine is recommended for all age groups, including newborns.
- Vaccine Schedule: The standard vaccination course consists of three doses administered over six months. However, for adult travellers, faster schedules are available, with the fastest schedule spanning just three weeks.
- Booster Doses: After completing the primary course, booster doses are not usually required. However, individuals at high risk, such as healthcare workers, may consider a single booster dose five years after completing the primary course.
- Proving Immunity: Individuals at occupational risk, such as healthcare professionals, may need periodic blood tests to confirm their immunity to Hepatitis B.
Potential Side Effects
Hepatitis B vaccines, such as Engerix B and HB-Vax Pro, are inactivated vaccines. This means they cannot cause the disease they protect against. Adverse events from Hepatitis B vaccination are infrequent but may include injection site reactions, low-grade fever, fatigue, or tiredness. These symptoms are usually mild and resolve within a few days. Over-the-counter remedies like paracetamol or cold compresses can help manage these temporary side effects.
How is Hepatitis B transmitted?
Hepatitis B spreads through contaminated bodily fluids, including blood, saliva, semen, and vaginal fluids. In the United Kingdom, the virus is commonly found in communities that engage in injectable drug use. Additionally, unvaccinated individuals with multiple sexual partners are at a higher risk of contracting Hepatitis B.
In developing nations, the primary mode of transmission occurs from mother to baby during childbirth or between infected and uninfected children under the age of five. A shocking fact is that the Hepatitis B virus can survive on surfaces outside of the body for up to seven days, maintaining its infectious potential even after a week. This underscores the importance of taking preventive measures, as the virus can still cause infections even after some time has passed.
Other recommendations to prevent infection:
As a traveller, you can minimise your risk of contracting Hepatitis B by following certain preventive measures. While the risk is generally low, it’s essential to be proactive about your health and well-being. Here are some steps you can take to prevent Hepatitis B infection:
- Choose Reputable Medical Facilities: If you are travelling for medical procedures or medical tourism, ensure that the facility you visit is reputable and maintains strict infection control procedures. Thoroughly research the healthcare provider before undergoing any medical treatments.
- Practise Safe Sex: If you engage in sexual activities while travelling, it’s crucial to use barrier methods, such as condoms, to reduce the risk of transmission. Hepatitis B can be found in vaginal fluids and semen, so taking precautions can significantly lower the chances of infection.
- Avoid Risky Behaviours: Steer clear of activities that may lead to exposure to contaminated bodily fluids. These include sharing needles or syringes, getting tattoos or piercings from unregulated or unhygienic establishments, and sharing personal care items like toothbrushes or razors.
How much do Travel Vaccinations cost?
Yellow Fever Vaccine (Includes Certificate)
£95
Hepatitis A (Booster after 6-12 months)
£50
Typhoid (Covers for 3 years)
£50
Diptheria, Tetanus & Polio (Covers for 10 years)
£50
Malaria Tablets
£25
Hepatitis B (Course of 3 vaccines – £195)
£65
Rabies (Course of 3 vaccines – £195)
£65
Japanese Encephalitis (Course of 2 vaccines – £250)
£125
Meningitis ACWY (Covers for 3-5 years)
£75
Cholera (Course of 2 vaccines)
£95
Whooping cough vaccine (Pertussis) (Pertussis combined with D/T/P)
£75
Travel Vaccines
Malaria is a life-threatening disease that occurs in tropical and subtropical regions, including Africa, Asia, and South America. If you’re planning a trip to these regions, it’s essential to take the necessary precautions to prevent malaria.
Antimalarial medication is essential for preventing malaria in high-risk areas. Consult with a travel health specialist to determine which medication is right for you. Some medications must be taken several weeks before your trip, so plan ahead.
When selecting a mosquito repellent, make sure it’s effective and safe. Choose a product that contains at least 20% DEET or an equivalent concentration of other active ingredients.
If you’re planning to travel to an area with a high risk of polio or diphtheria, it may be necessary to get vaccinated against polio, diphtheria, and tetanus. The need for a DTP booster shot depends on the date of your previous vaccination.
The polio, diphtheria, and tetanus vaccine is a combination vaccine that protects against these three serious illnesses. Polio is a highly infectious disease that can cause paralysis, while diphtheria and tetanus are bacterial infections that can lead to respiratory problems and muscle stiffness. The vaccine works by stimulating the immune system to produce antibodies against these illnesses, which helps to protect against them.
The hepatitis A vaccine is a preventive measure against hepatitis A, an infection that targets the liver. This disease is caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). If you plan to travel to high risk areas, it is essential to assess your risk and take appropriate precautions to safeguard your health.
Hepatitis A is a highly contagious virus that is typically not acquired in the UK. This virus primarily targets the liver, resulting in various symptoms such as abdominal discomfort, jaundice, dark-colored urine, fever, diarrhea, and nausea. It’s important to note that unlike other forms of hepatitis, such as Hepatitis B, Hepatitis A does not lead to long-lasting liver damage or cirrhosis. However, in rare cases, Hepatitis A can progress to liver failure, which can be life-threatening, especially among older individuals.
The most effective method of preventing Hepatitis B infection is through vaccination. The Hepatitis B vaccine is safe and highly effective. If you plan to travel to high risk areas, it is essential to assess your risk and take appropriate precautions to safeguard your health.
Hepatitis B is a viral infection that primarily targets the liver, leading to acute illness and potentially causing long-lasting damage. This global health challenge affects millions of individuals across nearly every continent. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there were approximately 296 million cases of Hepatitis B in 2019, resulting in an alarming 820,000 deaths attributed to liver damage and liver cancer. The highest concentration of cases can be found in the WHO Western Pacific and African regions.
A typhoid vaccination is recommended if you are travelling to an area of high risk, such as the Indian subcontinent, parts of Africa, South America, and other regions with low hygiene standards. The typhoid vaccine is a crucial preventive measure that stimulates your body to produce antibodies, enhancing your immune system’s ability to fight against the typhoid bacteria.
Typhoid fever is a serious bacterial infection that can have severe consequences if left untreated. It spreads throughout the body, affecting multiple organs and can even lead to complications such as internal bleeding, which can be fatal. It is primarily prevalent in areas where hygiene standards are low.
The Meningitis ACWY vaccine is highly recommended for individuals traveling to regions with a high risk of meningococcal meningitis, including parts of Africa, the Middle East, and certain countries in South America. This vaccine serves as a crucial preventive measure, stimulating the production of antibodies in your body and enhancing your immune system’s ability to combat the bacteria responsible for meningococcal meningitis.
To safeguard against this disease, the Meningitis ACWY vaccine provides protection against four different serogroups of the bacteria: A, C, W, and Y. By receiving this vaccine, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of contracting the disease and potentially protect themselves from its debilitating consequences.
Japanese Encephalitis (JE) is a viral infection transmitted through mosquito bites that is prevalent in certain regions of Asia, including rural areas of China, Japan, Southeast Asia, and the Indian subcontinent. If you are planning to travel to these high-risk areas, it is strongly recommended to receive the Japanese Encephalitis vaccine as a preventive measure.
The Japanese Encephalitis vaccine stimulates the production of antibodies in the body, enhancing the immune system’s ability to fight against the JEV. By receiving this vaccine, you can significantly reduce the risk of contracting the virus and developing Japanese Encephalitis.
Rabies is a deadly viral disease that affects the nervous system of mammals, including humans. It is primarily transmitted through the bite or scratch of an infected animal, most commonly dogs, bats, raccoons, and other wild animals. If you are traveling to areas where rabies is prevalent, it is crucial to be aware of the risks and take preventive measures, including the rabies vaccine.
The rabies vaccine serves as a preventive measure to protect individuals from contracting the virus. It is administered before potential exposure or as a series of post-exposure shots, depending on the circumstances. Pre-exposure vaccination is recommended for individuals who may be at an increased risk of exposure, such as animal handlers, veterinarians, and individuals traveling to regions where rabies is prevalent.
Yellow fever is a viral disease caused by the yellow fever virus, primarily transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes. It is mainly found in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa and South America. If you are planning to travel to areas where yellow fever is endemic or where there is a risk of outbreaks, it is important to take precautions and consider getting the yellow fever vaccine.
The yellow fever vaccine is a highly effective preventive measure against the disease. It is a live attenuated vaccine that stimulates the body’s immune system to develop immunity to the yellow fever virus. Many countries require proof of yellow fever vaccination as an entry requirement, especially if you are arriving from or have recently visited a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission.
Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a viral infection transmitted through the bite of infected ticks. It is primarily found in parts of Europe and Asia, particularly in forested areas and regions with high tick populations. If you are planning to travel to areas where TBE is endemic or engaging in outdoor activities in these regions, it is important to be aware of the risks and consider getting vaccinated against tick-borne encephalitis.
The tick-borne encephalitis vaccine is a preventive measure that provides protection against the virus. It stimulates the body’s immune system to produce antibodies that help fight against the tick-borne encephalitis virus. The vaccine is typically administered as a series of doses and offers long-term immunity against the disease.
Cholera is a bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. It is primarily transmitted through the ingestion of contaminated food or water. Cholera is prevalent in areas with inadequate sanitation and poor access to clean drinking water, particularly in parts of Africa, Asia, and Latin America. If you are traveling to these regions, it is important to take necessary precautions and consider receiving the cholera vaccine.
The cholera vaccine is an oral vaccine that provides protection against the specific strains of Vibrio cholerae responsible for the disease. It stimulates the production of antibodies in the body, enhancing the immune system’s ability to fight against the bacteria. The vaccine is typically administered in a series of doses and offers a certain level of immunity against cholera.