In short: Hepatitis B is a viral liver infection spread through blood and other body fluids, for example through unprotected sex, shared needles or unsterile medical and cosmetic procedures. Most adults clear the infection, but it can become long-term (chronic) and lead to cirrhosis or liver cancer, especially when caught in infancy. Babies in the UK are vaccinated routinely, and vaccination is recommended for adults at higher risk, including some travellers, with faster schedules available if you are short of time.

This guide, written by a Ready Health prescribing pharmacist and based on UKHSA, NaTHNaC (TravelHealthPro), WHO and NHS guidance, explains how hepatitis B spreads, its symptoms and who should consider vaccination.

What is hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B is caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV), which infects liver cells. The World Health Organization estimates that around 240 million people worldwide were living with chronic hepatitis B in 2024, and that it caused about 1.1 million deaths, mostly from cirrhosis and liver cancer. Many people with chronic infection do not know they have it.

How is hepatitis B spread?

The virus is passed on through infected blood and body fluids. Common routes include:

unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex
sharing needles or other drug-injecting equipment
medical, dental or cosmetic treatment (including tattoos and piercings) with unsterile equipment
needlestick injuries in healthcare settings
from a mother with hepatitis B to her baby around birth
sharing razors or toothbrushes with an infected person

Hepatitis B is not spread through kissing, coughing, sharing food or casual contact.

What are the symptoms of hepatitis B?

Symptoms, if they appear, usually develop 40 to 160 days after infection. Many people, particularly young children, have none. Symptoms can include:

tiredness, fever and aching joints
loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting
pain in the upper right side of the tummy
yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes (jaundice), dark urine and pale stools

Anyone who may have been exposed should speak to a GP or sexual health clinic. A simple blood test can diagnose hepatitis B, and urgent treatment soon after exposure can help prevent infection.

Why does age at infection matter?

Age when infected	Approximate chance of chronic infection
Infants	Around 9 in 10
Children aged 1–5	Roughly 2 to 5 in 10
Adults	Fewer than 1 in 20

Chronic hepatitis B raises the risk of cirrhosis, liver failure and liver cancer. Antiviral treatment can control it and reduce these risks, although it is rarely cured.

Where is hepatitis B more common?

Hepatitis B occurs worldwide, with the highest rates in the Western Pacific (including China and South-East Asia) and Africa. Intermediate rates are found in parts of South Asia, the Middle East, Eastern Europe and South America. For most short-term tourists the risk is low; it increases with what you do rather than simply where you go.

Who should consider the hepatitis B vaccine?

UK guidance recommends vaccination for people at increased risk, including:

travellers who may have sex with new partners, need medical or dental treatment abroad, play contact sports, or are staying long term or living locally
healthcare, laboratory, emergency and humanitarian workers
people who inject drugs and their partners
men who have sex with men, and sex workers
close family contacts and sexual partners of someone with hepatitis B
people with chronic liver disease or kidney disease, including those on dialysis
babies born to mothers with hepatitis B (through the NHS)

Since 2017, all babies in the UK have received hepatitis B protection as part of the 6-in-1 vaccine.

What hepatitis B vaccine schedules are available?

Schedule	Timing	Typical use
Standard	0, 1 and 6 months	When there is plenty of time
Accelerated	0, 1 and 2 months, plus 12 months	Faster protection
Very rapid	Days 0, 7 and 21, plus 12 months	Adults 18+ travelling soon
Two-dose adult vaccine	0 and 1 month	Adults 18+
Combined hepatitis A and B	Several schedules depending on age and product	When protection against both is needed

A specific vaccine is also available for people with kidney disease. Not every product suits every person, and some products have been discontinued in the UK, so a clinician will recommend the most appropriate option for your age, health and timescale. Some people at ongoing occupational risk have a blood test after the course to confirm they have responded.

Frequently asked questions

How long before travel should I start the hepatitis B vaccine?

Ideally several months before, so a standard course can be completed. If time is short, a very rapid schedule can provide protection within about a month for adults, with a final dose a year later.

Do I need a hepatitis B booster?

Most people who complete a course do not need routine boosters. A booster may be advised for some healthcare workers, people with kidney failure or after a significant exposure.

I was vaccinated as a baby. Am I protected?

Yes. Children who completed the infant course are considered protected and do not usually need more doses for travel.

Can hepatitis B be cured?

Most adults clear acute infection on their own. Chronic hepatitis B can usually be controlled with antiviral medicines but is rarely cured, which is why prevention matters.

Key takeaways

Hepatitis B spreads through blood and body fluids, not casual contact.
Infection in infancy is much more likely to become chronic than infection in adulthood.
Vaccination is recommended for people at higher risk, including some travellers.
Rapid schedules exist if you are travelling soon.

Sources and further reading

Last reviewed: October 2026 by Shamir Patel, Independent Prescribing Pharmacist, Ready Health. This article is general information and does not replace advice from your own clinician.

Wondering whether you need hepatitis B protection for travel or work? Ready Health in Standish offers travel and occupational health consultations for people in Wigan, Chorley, Horwich and Bolton. Read more about our hepatitis B vaccination service, where a clinician will assess your risk and advise what is suitable. Book a travel health consultation or call 01257 676001.