What it is, and why it matters
Hepatitis B is a liver infection transmitted through infected blood and certain body fluids, including during birth, sexual contact or sharing injecting equipment. It is not spread through ordinary social contact such as hugging or sharing a meal.
Infection can become chronic, particularly when acquired in infancy, and may lead to cirrhosis or liver cancer. Testing, clinical care and vaccination of susceptible people are different parts of prevention and management.
How hepatitis b vaccination works
Hepatitis B vaccination is part of the routine childhood program and is recommended for susceptible adults with particular exposure risks. Testing may be appropriate before vaccination or after a course for specified groups.
A vaccination record is needed to assess previous doses. Do not assume that age, country of birth or a remembered childhood injection proves immunity.
Individual assessment. This general information does not determine which vaccination is suitable for you. Your clinician discusses the available options, benefits, risks, timing and funding before you decide.
Funding and eligibility for hepatitis b vaccination
Anchored to the National Immunisation Program schedule and ATAGI advice. Your immuniser confirms your eligibility at the pre-vaccination consultation.
Infants, children and eligible catch-up groups
The routine and catch-up programs have age and Medicare requirements. Adult catch-up is not universally funded.
Eligible Victorian adult risk groups
State criteria include certain household or sexual contacts, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people without immunity, people who inject drugs or receive opioid substitution therapy, and other specified groups. The provider checks current criteria.
Other susceptible adults with a clinical indication
This can include travel or occupational risk. Funding and employer arrangements must be checked separately.
Doses and timing
Schedules below reflect typical recommendations. Your immuniser will confirm exactly what applies to you, including any catch-up doses and co-administration with other vaccines.
- A common adult course is three doses at 0, 1 and 6 months. Other schedules may be appropriate for age, health or travel timing.
- Accelerated schedules are not suitable for everyone and can require an additional later dose. A clinician must choose the course.
- Post-vaccination blood testing is recommended for specified risk groups, rather than everyone. People with immune conditions or kidney disease may require different schedules and follow-up.
What to expect
- Injection-site discomfort, headache, tiredness or fever can occur.
- A severe allergic reaction to a previous dose or relevant component requires specialist assessment. Stay for the recommended observation period, usually at least 15 minutes.
Precautions
- Tell the immuniser about previous serious reactions, medicines, immune conditions, pregnancy and any current illness before vaccination.
- Vaccination does not treat existing hepatitis B. A clinician may recommend testing for infection and immunity, especially where exposure or birth-country risk is relevant.
Benefits, limitations and individual advice
Most people develop protection after a complete course, but some do not respond adequately. Long-term protection and the need for testing or additional doses depend on the person and risk setting.
FAQs about hepatitis b vaccination
Am I protected if I was vaccinated as a child?
A documented completed course is useful evidence. Some occupational or medical risk groups need additional testing or assessment, so bring the record rather than assuming immunity.
Can I finish the course more quickly for travel?
An accelerated schedule may be suitable for some people, but the clinician must check the available option, your health and later-dose requirements.
Do I need a blood test after vaccination?
Not routinely for everyone. Testing is recommended in specified circumstances, including some occupational exposures and immune conditions.
Primary references
Deeper reading on hepatitis b
Book your hepatitis b vaccination
Contact the pharmacy to check service availability, suitability and booking options.