Hepatitis A and B vaccination (Hepatitis A and hepatitis B immunisation)
Vaccines that help protect against hepatitis A and hepatitis B, two liver infections that can be passed on through sex, close contact or contaminated food and water.
✓ Medically reviewed by a GMC-registered consultant · last reviewed September 2026 · next review September 2027 · how we review
In short
- Two separate liver infections, both preventable by vaccine; they can be given on their own or as one combined jab.
- Vaccination prevents infection but does not treat hepatitis you already have, and there is no vaccine for hepatitis C.
- Full protection needs the whole course, usually over weeks to months; you may be offered a blood test to check your hepatitis B response if you are higher risk.
- On the NHS these vaccines are free for people at higher risk, including through sexual health services; private clinics also offer them, often for travel.
A plain-English summary. The detail — including risks and recovery — is below.
At a glance
A general guide. Your specialist will give you advice for your situation.
Strongly reduces your chance of catching hepatitis A and/or hepatitis B.
You have already had the infection or are confirmed immune and do not need a further course.
You may be asked to wait briefly so staff can check you do not have an immediate reaction, which is rare.
A clear written record of which vaccine and dose you received.
You may be asked to wait briefly so staff can check you do not have an immediate reaction, which is rare.
Some arm soreness, tiredness or a mild temperature is normal and settles on its own. Simple painkillers can help...
Protection builds gradually. You are not fully protected until the course is complete, so keep up safer practices...
Protection is at its strongest. If you are higher risk for hepatitis B, a blood test may be arranged a month or...
What is hepatitis A and B vaccination?
Hepatitis A and hepatitis B are two different infections that affect the liver. They are caused by different viruses but can both be prevented by vaccination. The vaccines can be given separately or as one combined injection that covers both.
Hepatitis A is usually caught from food or water contaminated with the virus, or through close contact, including some sexual practices. It often clears on its own but can make you very unwell for weeks. Hepatitis B is carried in blood and body fluids and can be passed on through sex, sharing needles, or from a parent to baby. Some people clear it, but others carry it long term, which can damage the liver over many years.
Vaccination teaches your body to make antibodies so it can fight the virus if you are exposed. It is given as one or more injections into the upper arm. It does not treat an infection you already have, and it cannot protect against hepatitis C, for which there is no vaccine.
In sexual health (GUM) services, these vaccines are offered to people who are at higher risk, such as men who have sex with men, people who inject drugs, sex workers, and close contacts of someone with hepatitis B. Your specialist will discuss whether you need one or both vaccines based on your history and any previous immunity.
Types, options & approaches
There may be different ways to do this. The right approach depends on the clinical question and your circumstances.
Hepatitis A versus hepatitis B at a glance
| Feature | Hepatitis A | Hepatitis B |
|---|---|---|
| Mainly spread by | Contaminated food/water, close contact | Blood and body fluids, sex, needles |
| Long-term carrier risk | No; usually clears | Yes; some people carry it for life |
| Vaccine course | 1 dose, then a booster for lasting cover | Usually a multi-dose course |
| Response blood test | Not routine | Offered for higher-risk people |
Your specialist will advise which vaccine or vaccines you need. This table is a general comparison, not personal advice.
Preparing for your treatment
- Tell the specialist about any previous hepatitis vaccines or infections; you may already be immune and not need a full course.
- Mention any serious allergy to a previous vaccine dose or its ingredients.
- Say if you are pregnant, might be pregnant, or are breastfeeding; these vaccines are generally considered where the risk of infection is real, but it should be discussed.
- Mention any condition or medicine that weakens your immune system, as you may need extra doses or a response check.
- Bring a record of any vaccines you have had, especially if started elsewhere or abroad.
- Ask whether a blood test is needed first to check for existing hepatitis B infection or immunity.
- Plan to attend for the whole course, as protection depends on completing it.
What happens
A nurse or doctor checks your history, confirms which vaccine or vaccines you need, and discusses the schedule. For some people, a blood test is taken first to check whether you already have hepatitis B or are already immune.
The vaccine is injected into the muscle of your upper arm. It takes only a few minutes. You may be asked to wait a short time afterwards in case of an immediate reaction, which is rare.
You will be given dates for the remaining doses. If you are at higher risk of hepatitis B, the service may arrange a blood test a month or two after the last dose to check that you have responded. Keep a record of your doses, especially if you move or travel.
Is this treatment right for me?
A good consultation should explore whether it's the right choice for you now — including reasons to wait or consider something else.
May not be suitable if…
- You have already had the infection or are confirmed immune and do not need a further course.
- You have had a serious allergic reaction to a previous dose or a vaccine ingredient.
- The vaccine is being offered as treatment for an existing infection, which it cannot do.
- You are acutely unwell with a high fever, when it is usually better to wait until you recover.
Delay or rearrange if…
- You have a feverish illness on the day; minor coughs and colds are usually fine.
- You are unsure whether you already have hepatitis B and a test result is awaited.
- Your immune system is temporarily very suppressed, so the response may be poor; timing should be planned.
- You cannot reliably attend for the rest of the course around this date.
Alternatives to discuss
- Hepatitis B immunoglobulin in addition to vaccine after certain high-risk exposures, decided by a specialist.
- Receiving the vaccines separately rather than combined if only one is needed.
- Choosing a standard schedule rather than an accelerated one if there is no time pressure.
- Behavioural prevention such as condoms and not sharing needles, alongside or while awaiting protection.
Before you decide
Use this as a shared-decision checklist. The aim is not just “can this be done?”, but whether it is right for you, now, with the risks and alternatives clearly understood.
What matters most to me?
Think about symptoms, daily life, work, caring responsibilities, sport, fertility, travel, appearance and anxiety — the right choice depends on your priorities, not just the medical facts.
What are all my options?
Ask about waiting, monitoring, medicines, rehabilitation, a smaller or larger procedure, a different test, NHS referral, or a second opinion where that would help.
What would make me pause?
Active infection, pregnancy, unstable medical problems, smoking, medicines that increase bleeding, poor support at home, or feeling pressured are all reasons to slow down and get tailored advice.
What happens if I do nothing today?
For some problems, waiting is safe; for others, delay can make treatment harder. A good consultation should explain the trade-off in plain English.
Benefits
- Strongly reduces your chance of catching hepatitis A and/or hepatitis B.
- For hepatitis B, lowers the risk of becoming a long-term carrier and of later liver damage.
- Protects sexual partners and close contacts by reducing onward spread.
- Combined vaccine offers cover against both viruses in one course.
- Free and confidential through NHS sexual health services for people at higher risk.
Risks & complications
- Soreness, redness or a small lump where the injection was given.
- Tiredness, headache or feeling generally off for a day or two.
- Mild temperature or muscle aches after a dose.
- Dizziness or fainting around the time of the injection.
- A larger area of arm swelling that settles on its own.
- Not making a strong enough hepatitis B response, so extra doses are needed.
- A serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) very soon after the injection, which staff are trained to treat.
- Some people never develop protective hepatitis B antibodies despite repeated courses (non-responders).
Most side effects are mild and short-lived. The biggest practical issue is not completing the course, which leaves you only partly protected. If you are higher risk for hepatitis B, ask whether your response will be checked, and what happens if you do not respond. Tell staff straight away about any severe reaction to a previous dose.
Published figures to discuss
Hepatitis vaccines are well established and side effects are usually mild. Response varies between people, especially for hepatitis B, where age, weight, smoking and a weakened immune system can reduce how well someone responds. Serious allergic reactions are very rare. Exact figures vary by product and population, so the ranges below are cautious.
| Figure | Reported range | How to interpret it | Source / confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Protective response to hepatitis B after a full course (healthy adults) | Most healthy adults respond; response falls with older age, higher weight, smoking and immunosuppression | This is why higher-risk people are offered a blood test to confirm response; a minority are non-responders even after repeat courses. | NHS — Hepatitis B vaccinenhs.ukSource-linked context |
| Serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) | Very rare | Clinics are equipped to treat it; this is why a short wait after the injection is sometimes advised. | Guide sourcesClinical context |
| Incomplete protection before the course is finished | Schedule-dependent | Travel, sexual exposure, occupational risk or household contact may require accelerated schedules and clear follow-up dates. | NHS — Hepatitis B vaccinenhs.ukSource-linked context |
| Local and flu-like reactions | Common and short-lived | Sore arm, headache, tiredness or mild fever usually settle without treatment. | Guide sourcesClinical context |
These are literature figures, not a personalised prediction. Your own risks and likely benefits depend on your circumstances, your health, and how your care is carried out and followed up.
What happens afterwards
There is usually nothing to recover from. Most people carry on with their day, though your arm may ache for a day or two and you might feel a little tired.
- A sore, slightly red arm for a day or two.
- Feeling a bit tired or off-colour briefly after a dose.
- No immediate sense of being protected, because immunity builds over the course.
- Needing to come back for further doses on set dates.
Aftercare
- Use the injected arm normally; gentle movement can ease stiffness.
- Take simple painkillers such as paracetamol if your arm is sore, unless told otherwise.
- Keep a written or app record of which vaccine and dose you have had.
- Attend all remaining appointments so the course is finished.
- Until the course is complete, keep using condoms and other precautions, as you are not yet fully protected.
- If a response blood test is offered for hepatitis B, attend it and ask what the result means.
- Note the dates of your next doses in your calendar.
- Save the clinic's contact details in case of questions.
- Keep your vaccination record somewhere you can find it.
- Have simple painkillers at home in case of arm soreness.
- Plan how you will stay protected until the course is finished.
- Note any travel dates so the schedule can be timed if relevant.
⚠ Get urgent help if…
- Difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips or throat, or a widespread rash soon after the injection — call 999.
- Feeling faint, very dizzy or a racing heartbeat shortly after a dose.
- A high temperature that does not settle, or that comes with feeling very unwell.
- Spreading redness, heat or pus at the injection site after a day or two.
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine or pale stools, which could suggest a liver problem and need urgent assessment.
Who to contact: your clinician, clinic or test provider first (keep their number to hand). For urgent advice when you can't reach them, call NHS 111. In an emergency, call 999.
General guidance — it doesn't replace the specific advice your specialist gives you.
Results & realistic expectations
A completed course gives most people strong, lasting protection against the virus or viruses covered. For hepatitis B, a blood test can confirm whether you have made protective antibodies if you are higher risk. A good response means you are very unlikely to catch hepatitis B through future exposures, though no vaccine is 100 percent.
Vaccination does not protect against other infections passed on through sex, so screening and safer-sex measures still matter. It also does not treat hepatitis you may already have, which is why a blood test is sometimes done first.
Hepatitis B protection is generally long-lasting after a full course, and routine booster doses are not usually needed for healthy adults who have responded. People whose immune system is weakened, or who remain at high ongoing risk, may need their levels checked and occasional boosters. For hepatitis A, a single dose protects for around a year, and a second dose gives protection lasting many years. Your specialist will advise on timing and any future checks.
Related tests, treatments or support
These vaccines are often given alongside a sexual health screen and a discussion about HIV prevention such as PrEP. People at risk of hepatitis B are usually offered testing for hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV at the same time. For travel, hepatitis vaccines may be combined with other travel jabs.
Follow-up & long-term care
You will be given dates for the rest of the course and reminded if you miss one. If you are higher risk for hepatitis B, the service usually arranges a blood test one to two months after the final dose to confirm you have responded, and will advise on any extra doses if your response is low.
- Complete every dose in the course on the dates given.
- Keep your vaccination record up to date.
- Have your hepatitis B response checked if you are higher risk or immunosuppressed.
- Discuss boosters if you remain at high ongoing risk or your immunity is weakened.
- Continue regular sexual health screening, as vaccines do not cover all infections.
Repeat, follow-on and what comes next
- If the hepatitis B response is low, an extra dose or a repeat course may be advised.
- A small number of people remain non-responders despite repeated courses and are managed individually.
- People at high ongoing risk or with weakened immunity may need periodic checks and boosters.
Ask what happens if the result is unclear or needs repeating, and what is included if further tests or follow-up are needed.
What good aftercare looks like
- A clear written record of which vaccine and dose you received.
- Dated appointments for the rest of the course and reminders if missed.
- A hepatitis B response check for higher-risk people, with advice on the result.
- A named contact route for questions or reactions between doses.
What affects the cost
Costs vary a great deal between people and providers, and we don't publish prices. What matters is understanding what drives the cost and making sure your quote is complete. The main things that affect it:
- Whether you need one vaccine or both, and how many doses.
- Standard versus accelerated schedule, as faster courses may need an extra dose.
- Single versus combined hepatitis A and B vaccine.
- Whether blood tests are done first to check immunity or infection.
- Whether a hepatitis B response blood test is done after the course.
- Appointment or nurse fees per visit at a private clinic.
- Which vaccine or vaccines and the number of doses included.
- Whether the price covers the whole course or is per dose.
- Whether pre-vaccination blood tests are included.
- Whether a post-course hepatitis B response test is included.
- What happens, and what it costs, if you need extra doses for a low response.
- Whether a vaccination record or certificate is provided.
On the NHS? Hepatitis A and B vaccines are free on the NHS for people at higher risk, including through sexual health services; private clinics also provide them, for example for travel, and may use faster schedules.
You're entitled to your total cost in writing — including reports, follow-up and what happens if the result is inconclusive — before you decide.
Consent traps and marketing red flags
These are not small details. They are often where patients lose choice, time to reflect, or realistic expectations.
Consent traps
- Not explaining that the vaccine prevents but does not treat hepatitis.
- Not making clear that protection is incomplete until the course is finished.
- Implying it protects against hepatitis C, which has no vaccine.
- Not arranging or explaining a hepatitis B response check for higher-risk people.
Marketing red flags
- Claims of instant or guaranteed lifelong protection from a single dose.
- Selling a costly combined course when only one vaccine is needed.
- Bundling hepatitis vaccines with unnecessary tests as a fixed package.
- Suggesting vaccination removes the need for any sexual health screening.
Choosing a specialist safely
- Check the specialist is on the GMC Specialist Register for this area.
- Make sure they work at a CQC-registered service, and look for membership of the relevant Royal College or professional body.
- You're entitled to time to consider and to have your questions answered before you agree — the specialist who looks after you should explain it, not a salesperson.
- Be wary of pressure: time-limited offers or deposits taken before you've had time to think are red flags, not bargains.
- You're entitled to your total cost in writing — including any follow-up — before you decide.
Questions to ask your medical professional
Take this to your consultation. A good specialist will welcome every one of these.
- Do I need hepatitis A, hepatitis B, or both, based on my history?
- Have I had these vaccines or these infections before, and am I already immune?
- Which schedule will I follow, and when are my doses due?
- Will my hepatitis B response be checked, and what happens if it is low?
- Should I be tested for hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV at the same time?
- How do I stay protected until the course is finished?
- Are you on the GMC Specialist Register for this area, and which Royal College or professional body are you a member of?
- Will you be the specialist who carries out my treatment, and who looks after me afterwards?
- What are the risks for someone like me, and how often do your own patients have a problem or need it repeated or redone?
- What does a realistic result look like — and what can this treatment not achieve?
- What are my options, including waiting, doing nothing for now, or choosing a different approach?
- Can I have written information, results and aftercare instructions in a format I can use, including any accessibility or communication support I need?
- What is the total cost in writing, including any follow-ups, and how much time do I have to decide?
Frequently asked questions
Can I get these vaccines free on the NHS?
Does the vaccine treat hepatitis I might already have?
Is there a vaccine for hepatitis C too?
How many injections will I need?
Am I protected straight after the first dose?
What if I miss a dose?
Can I have it if I am pregnant?
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How we made this page
Medically reviewed by a GMC-registered consultant. Written in plain English, checked against NHS, NICE, GMC and relevant Royal College / specialist-society guidance, and kept under review. No clinic paid to appear on this page, and we publish no pricing. This is general information to help you prepare — it is not a substitute for advice from your own clinician. How we review our guides →
Source hierarchy: UK regulator and NHS/NICE guidance first, then relevant Royal College or specialist-society guidance, then peer-reviewed evidence for procedure-specific figures where available.
Sources & standards: NHS — Hepatitis B vaccine UKHSA Green Book — Hepatitis B (chapter 18) UKHSA Green Book — Hepatitis A (chapter 17) BASHH — UK guideline for consultations requiring sexual history taking (2019) NHS — Hepatitis B overview
Reviews reflect patients' experience of care, not clinical outcomes. For procedure volumes and outcome data see PHIN.
Last medically reviewed 2026-09-21. Spotted something wrong or out of date? Report an error in this guide.
Related guides: Sexual health screening (no symptoms) · Hepatitis B screening and treatment · Hepatitis C screening and treatment · HIV test · Sexual health (GUM) consultation