Understanding Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a viral infection of the liver spread by direct contact with the blood or body fluids of an infected person. It occurs worldwide with the highest rates reported in parts of East Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. Higher rates of infection are also found in the Amazon, southern parts of Eastern and Central Europe, the Middle East and the Indian subcontinent. The rates of infection in Western Europe and North America are low.
Risk for travellers is low although certain behaviours or activities put individuals at higher risk, particularly when these occur in areas where Hepatitis B is more common.
These behaviours and activities include:
- – Unprotected sex
- – Exposure to blood or blood products through occupation, such as healthcare work
- – Exposure to contaminated needles through injecting drug use, or as a result of accessing medical or dental
- – Participation in contact sports
- – Adoption of children from risk countries
- – Long-stay travel
Prevention
All travellers should avoid contact with blood and bodily fluids by:
- – Avoiding unprotected sexual intercourse.
- – Using appropriate protective precautions where contact is unavoidable e.g. due to occupation
- – Avoiding tattooing, piercing and acupuncture (unless sterile equipment is used)
- – Not sharing needles or other injection equipment.
- – Not sharing shaving equipment
- – Travellers face accident risks and may need emergency care. Precautions protect against HIV, Hepatitis C, and other viruses. Carry a sterile medical kit for resource-poor areas.
Book your Hepatitis B vaccine in Manchester today!
Multiple well-tolerated vaccines, including combined Hepatitis A/B products, protect against Hepatitis B, and it is advisable to vaccinate all at-risk travellers. The initial Hepatitis B vaccination schedule involves administering three injections at varying intervals based on urgency.
Public Health England states that travellers completing a Hepatitis B vaccine course generally do not require a single booster dose after five years unless they encounter ongoing infection risks. Individuals with kidney failure or those at occupational exposure risk, especially healthcare and laboratory workers, should contemplate a blood test to evaluate Hepatitis B surface antibody levels and immunity.
Find out what vaccines you need for your destination and book your appointment below, or get in touch if you have any questions.
Price: £59 per dose
