Babies are much more likely to develop lifelong Hepatitis B.
If a baby catches Hepatitis B at birth or during early infancy, they have around a 90% chance of developing a lifelong (chronic) infection. Chronic Hepatitis B can lead to serious liver disease later in life, including cirrhosis and liver cancer. Vaccination from birth provides the best protection.
Completing all six doses gives the strongest protection
The Hepatitis B vaccine works best when your baby receives every recommended dose. Each vaccination helps build your baby’s immunity, giving them long-lasting protection against Hepatitis B and the serious health problems it can cause.
Part of the NHS School Aged Immunisation Service
Hepatitis B is a virus that infects the liver. While many adults recover completely, babies and young children who catch Hepatitis B are much more likely to develop a long-term (chronic) infection.
Chronic Hepatitis B can lead to serious health problems later in life, including:
Vaccination is the safest and most effective way to help protect your child.
Some babies have a greater chance of coming into contact with Hepatitis B because their birth parent has Hepatitis B or is at increased risk of passing the infection on during pregnancy or birth.
The vaccine helps protect your baby before they are exposed to the virus.
To provide the best protection, it is important that your child receives every dose when it is due.
If your baby is at increased risk of Hepatitis B, they will receive six Hepatitis B vaccinations and a blood spot test to make sure they are fully protected.
It is very important that your baby receives every vaccination and attends the blood test appointment.
| Age | Who provides it? | What happens? |
|---|
| Within 24 hours of birth | Hospital | Your baby receives their first Hepatitis B vaccination. Some babies will also need an additional injection called Hepatitis B Immunoglobulin (HBIG) for extra protection. |
| 4 weeks | Vaccination UK | A Vaccination UK nurse will give your baby’s second Hepatitis B vaccination. Please make sure your baby is registered with a GP before this appointment. |
| 8 weeks | Your GP | Your baby receives their routine childhood vaccinations, which include Hepatitis B. |
| 12 weeks | Your GP | Your baby receives their second routine childhood vaccination, which includes Hepatitis B. |
| 16 weeks | Your GP | Your baby receives their third routine childhood vaccination, which includes Hepatitis B. |
| 12 months | Vaccination UK | A Vaccination UK nurse will arrange a home visit to carry out a simple heel-prick blood spot test. This checks whether the vaccine has worked and confirms whether your baby has Hepatitis B infection. |
| 18 months | Vaccination UK | A Vaccination UK nurse will give your baby’s final Hepatitis B vaccination, completing the course. |
Your Vaccination UK team will tell you where each vaccination will take place. Contact Us.
How is the vaccine given?
The vaccine is given as a small injection into your baby’s thigh.
It only takes a few seconds.
Most babies settle quickly after their vaccination with a cuddle or feed.
Is the Hepatitis B vaccine safe?
Yes.
The Hepatitis B vaccine has been used around the world for many years and has an excellent safety record.
Like all medicines, side effects can occur, but they are usually mild and short-lived.
The most common side effects include:
Serious allergic reactions are extremely rare, and healthcare professionals are trained to treat them immediately.
What if my baby misses a dose?
If your baby misses one of their vaccinations, don’t worry.
Contact your GP surgery or vaccination provider as soon as possible. Your child can usually continue the vaccination course without needing to start again.
Receiving all recommended doses provides the best protection.
Why is the blood spot test important?
The blood spot test is an essential part of your baby’s Hepatitis B care.
The test helps to confirm:
The test is carried out by an experienced Vaccination UK nurse during a home visit and only requires a small heel-prick blood sample.
Even if your baby has received all six vaccinations, it is very important that they also have the blood spot test.
Why is the blood spot test important?
The blood spot test is an essential part of your baby’s Hepatitis B care.
The test helps to confirm:
The test is carried out by an experienced Vaccination UK nurse during a home visit and only requires a small heel-prick blood sample.
Even if your baby has received all six vaccinations, it is very important that they also have the blood spot test.
Yes.
The Hepatitis B vaccine can be given alongside your baby’s routine childhood vaccinations.
If your baby receives routine vaccinations before the Hepatitis B vaccination is due, we usually recommend leaving 1–2 weeks before giving the Hepatitis B vaccine. Your healthcare team will advise you if this applies.
No.
The vaccine does not contain live Hepatitis B virus and cannot cause the infection.
When the full course is completed, the vaccine provides excellent protection against Hepatitis B infection.
Please let your GP surgery and vaccination provider know if your contact details change. This helps ensure your baby continues to receive their vaccinations on time.
My baby looks healthy, so they don’t need the vaccine
Babies who are at increased risk can become infected during birth without showing any symptoms. Vaccination protects them before they become ill.
One vaccination is enough
The Hepatitis B vaccine works best when every recommended dose is received. Completing the full course gives the strongest and longest-lasting protection.
The vaccine can give my baby Hepatitis B
The vaccine cannot cause Hepatitis B because it does not contain the live virus.
If you have any questions about your baby’s Hepatitis B vaccinations, please contact your local Vaccination UK team.
Our experienced nurses are happy to answer your questions and help you understand your child’s vaccination schedule.
Protecting your baby today helps protect their health for the future.
North East London
Barking & Dagenham, Havering, Redbridge, Waltham Forest, Newham ,Tower Hamlets
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Phone – 0203 828 1777
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