From birth. Part of the NHS baby schedule since 2017; for adults it is a travel and occupational vaccine. Not live, so can be given in pregnancy.
Last reviewed 12 September 2026UK Green Book ch. 18Non-live vaccine
Who can have it
Eligibility by age, on the NHS and privately
Hepatitis B is a liver infection spread through blood and body fluids. Babies born since August 2017 are vaccinated on the NHS as part of the 6-in-1 vaccine. Adults have it for healthcare and other jobs with blood exposure, for travel, and if they are at higher risk. A full course of three doses gives long-term protection.
Check what applies to you
Pick your age range and gender to see only the criteria for your group. Nothing you select is saved or sent anywhere.
Age
Privately (pharmacy or clinic)
On the NHS
Under 2 years
Privately✓Available
Paediatric formulation from birth
On the NHSFree for everyone
Free as part of the 6-in-1 vaccine at 8, 12 and 16 weeks, with a further 6-in-1 dose at 18 months for babies born on or after 1 July 2024. Babies born to mothers with hepatitis B get extra doses from birth.
2 to 17 years
Privately✓Available
Paediatric dose up to 15; adult dose from 16
On the NHSFree for some
Free for children at higher risk (for example a family member with hepatitis B) and for some travel. Children born before August 2017 were not routinely vaccinated.
18 to 49 years
Privately✓Available
Three doses over 6 months, or an accelerated 21-day course
On the NHSFree for some
Free for people at higher risk: healthcare and other workers with blood exposure (via occupational health), people who inject drugs, men who have sex with men, people with chronic liver or kidney disease, and close contacts of someone with hepatitis B. Not routinely free for travel.
50 to 64 years
Privately✓Available
Three doses over 6 months
On the NHSFree for some
As above.
65 and over
Privately✓Available
Three doses over 6 months; response can be weaker over 40, so a blood test may be advised
On the NHSFree for some
As above.
Recommended for
Healthcare workers, carers, and anyone whose job involves contact with blood or needles
Travellers to countries where hepatitis B is common, especially for long stays or if medical treatment is likely
People with chronic liver or kidney disease
Close contacts and sexual partners of someone with hepatitis B
Who should not have it
A previous serious allergic reaction to a hepatitis B vaccine or to yeast
If you have a fever, the vaccine is usually postponed
Always tell the clinician about allergies, medicines, health conditions and recent vaccines. They will confirm the vaccine is right for you before giving it.
About the vaccine
What it protects against, how long it lasts and side effects
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Protects against
Viral liver infection spread through blood, sexual contact, or unsterilised medical equipment.
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When to have it
3 doses over 6 months (accelerated 3-week course available)
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How long it lasts
Lifelong after full course
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Doses
3 doses - at 0, 1 and 6 months
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Side effects
Sore arm, mild fever, fatigue, or headache. Usually mild and resolve within 1–2 days.
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Good to know
For occupational use, a blood test (anti-HBs) after the course is needed to confirm protection; non-responders may need further doses.
Common questions
Hepatitis B vaccine: your questions answered
How many doses of hepatitis B vaccine do I need?
Three doses over six months (at 0, 1 and 6 months). If you are short of time, an accelerated course at 0, 7 and 21 days is licensed, with a booster at 12 months.
Do I need a blood test after the course?
For occupational protection, yes. A blood test 1 to 4 months after the last dose checks you have responded. People over 40, smokers and those who are overweight are more likely to need extra doses.
How long does hepatitis B protection last?
After a full course with a good response, protection is considered lifelong for most people. Healthcare workers may be advised a single booster after five years.
Is the hepatitis B vaccine free for travel?
Usually not. It is one of the travel vaccines the NHS does not routinely fund, so most travellers pay privately.
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GPhC-registered pharmacies and travel clinics. The clinician confirms suitability at your appointment.
General information only. This page sets out the published UK eligibility criteria so you can see which apply to you. It is not medical advice and VaxiGo does not assess your suitability for any vaccine. The clinician at your appointment makes that decision with you.