Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a viral infection of the liver spread through blood and body fluids. Most adults clear it, but some develop a long-term infection that can lead to cirrhosis or liver cancer years later. It is common in much of the world, and the risk to a traveller comes less from the destination than from what happens there: an accident that needs stitches, a tattoo, unprotected sex, or a hospital where equipment is not reliably sterile.

Who should consider it

• Anyone staying a month or more, or travelling often, in East Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, the Amazon basin, Eastern Europe, the Middle East or the Indian subcontinent.
• People who may need medical or dental treatment abroad, or who work in healthcare.
• Those playing contact sports, or planning tattoos or piercings.
• Adoptive families and anyone who may have a new sexual partner while away.

The vaccine

The standard course is three injections at zero, one and six months. If you are leaving sooner, an accelerated course at zero, one and two months — or a very rapid one at days 0, 7 and 21 — gives protection in time, with a fourth dose at twelve months to make it last. Children from birth to fifteen use a paediatric dose on the same schedules. The pharmacist will pick the schedule that fits your departure date.

After the course

For most travellers a completed course lasts for life. If you remain at ongoing risk — through your work, for example — a single booster five years after the course is recommended once only.

Not sure whether you need this one? Book the travel consultation instead and the pharmacist will go through your trip with you.