Hepatitis B vaccination protects against a viral liver infection spread through blood and body fluids. It is recommended for travellers to certain high-risk regions, and for those with specific lifestyle or occupational risk factors. A pre-travel consultation reviews your itinerary to confirm whether hepatitis B vaccination is advised.
What Is Hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B is a viral infection of the liver, spread through infected blood and body fluids, including through unprotected sex, shared needles, unsterile medical or dental equipment, and blood transfusions in countries that do not screen blood supplies. It can cause a short-term illness or, in some cases, develop into long-term (chronic) liver disease.
Who Should Consider Vaccination?
Vaccination is recommended for travellers to higher-risk regions including sub-Saharan Africa, Asia and the Pacific islands, the Middle East, parts of South America, and parts of southern central and eastern Europe, particularly for longer stays, backpacking, or trips involving medical treatment, tattoos or piercings abroad. It is also recommended for travellers with certain occupational or lifestyle risk factors.
Vaccination Schedule
Hepatitis B vaccination is usually given as a course of three injections over a minimum of three weeks to several months, depending on the schedule used and how soon you are travelling. An accelerated schedule is available for those travelling at short notice. A booster may be recommended for ongoing exposure risk.
Reducing Your Risk While Travelling
Vaccination significantly reduces the risk of hepatitis B, but avoiding unprotected sex, unsterile needles, and unregulated medical, dental or cosmetic procedures abroad remains important, even after vaccination.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long before travel should I have the hepatitis B vaccine?
Ideally at least a month before departure to complete the standard course, though accelerated schedules are available for late bookings.
How many doses of hepatitis B vaccine do I need?
A standard course involves three doses, though accelerated schedules can complete a course over a shorter period if needed before travel.
Is hepatitis B vaccination available on the NHS?
Hepatitis B vaccination may be available free through the NHS for certain risk groups, or privately through a travel clinic. Your clinician will confirm eligibility during consultation.
Can hepatitis B vaccine be given with other travel vaccines?
Yes, it can usually be given alongside other travel vaccines, and combined hepatitis A and B vaccines are also available.
Does the vaccine protect against hepatitis C?
No, the hepatitis B vaccine does not protect against hepatitis C; there is currently no vaccine available for hepatitis C.
Sources and Further Reading
Clinically reviewed by Abrar Gill, MPharm, Berkeley Travel Clinic. Last reviewed: 1 August 2026. This information is general guidance and does not replace individual clinical assessment; book a travel health consultation for personalised advice.
