Hepatitis B vaccination
Routine for all Australian children since 2000 — adult catch-up for healthcare, travel and at-risk groups
What it is, and why it matters
Hepatitis B is a viral infection of the liver, spread through blood and body fluids (sexual contact, mother-to-baby, needlestick, household contact). Acute infection causes fatigue, jaundice and abdominal pain; in around 5% of adults and over 90% of infants infected at birth, the virus persists chronically and can cause cirrhosis and liver cancer decades later.
Around 220,000 Australians live with chronic hepatitis B — many undiagnosed. Universal infant vaccination since 2000 has dramatically reduced new infections in the population.
How hepatitis b vaccination works
The hepatitis B vaccine is a recombinant non-live vaccine — it contains a viral surface protein produced by yeast. A combined hep A + B vaccine is also available.
Universal infant vaccination is part of the standard NIP schedule, with adult catch-up vaccination available for those who missed it. Healthcare workers and other at-risk groups should have post-vaccination serology to confirm an immune response.
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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.
Children, routine schedule
Free under the NIP — birth dose plus combined vaccine doses at 6 weeks, 4 months and 6 months.
Adolescents born after 2000
Most are already vaccinated through the routine schedule; catch-up is funded if not.
Healthcare workers and students in healthcare disciplines
Often funded by employer or training institution; otherwise private. Post-vaccination serology recommended.
Travellers and other at-risk adults
Recommended for many travellers, household and sexual contacts of infected people, sex workers, people who inject drugs, men who have sex with men and others.
People with chronic kidney or liver disease
Free under the NIP for those with eligible medical conditions.
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.
- Standard adult schedule: 3 doses at 0, 1 and 6 months.
- Accelerated schedule available for travel: 3 doses at 0, 7 days and 21 days, with a 12-month booster.
- Combined hep A + B: 3 doses at 0, 1 and 6 months.
- Serology to confirm protective antibody response is recommended for healthcare workers and those at ongoing risk.
What to expect
- Sore arm at the injection site.
- Mild fatigue, low-grade fever for 24 hours.
- Severe reactions are rare.
Precautions
- A prior severe allergic reaction to a hepatitis B vaccine or to yeast is a contraindication.
- Defer for febrile illness above 38.5°C; mild colds are not a reason to delay.
How well the vaccine works
Over 95% of healthy adults achieve protective antibody levels after a complete 3-dose schedule. Protection is durable and likely lifelong; routine boosters are not currently recommended.
FAQs about hepatitis b vaccination
I work in healthcare — what serology do I need?
After completing your 3-dose schedule, an anti-HBs antibody test 4–8 weeks after the final dose confirms you mounted a protective response (≥10 mIU/mL). Around 5–10% of people don't respond to the first course and may need a repeat schedule. Many employers require this documentation.
I had hepatitis B vaccinations as a child — am I still protected?
Almost certainly yes. Long-term studies show protective immune memory persisting 30+ years after childhood vaccination. Most healthcare guidelines no longer recommend routine boosters for those who completed the childhood schedule.
Can I be vaccinated against hep A and hep B at the same time?
Yes — a combined hep A + B vaccine is available. The schedule is 3 doses at 0, 1 and 6 months. Often used for travel or occupational requirements.
Deeper reading on hepatitis b
Book your hepatitis b vaccination
Walk in seven days a week, or book a guaranteed time online via Priceline.
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