Can hepatitis B be prevented?

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Immunisation

Anyone who is at increased risk of being infected with the hepatitis B virus should consider being immunised. These include:

Workers who are likely to come into contact with blood products, or are at increased risk of needlestick injuries, assault, etc. For example: nurses, doctors, dentists, medical laboratory workers, prison wardens, etc. Also, staff at day care or residential centres for people with learning disabilities where there is a risk of scratching or biting by residents.
People who inject street drugs, and their sexual partners and children.
People who change sexual partners frequently.
People who live in close contact with someone infected with hepatitis B. This includes all prison inmates. Also, families who adopt or foster a child may be offered immunisation when the hepatitis B status of the child is not known. (You cannot catch hepatitis B from touching people or just normal social contact. So, household visitors and friends are not usually at risk. However, close regular contacts are best immunised.)
People who regularly receive blood transfusions.
People with certain kidney or liver diseases.
People who live in residential accommodation for those with learning difficulties. People who attend day centres for people with learning difficulties may also be offered immunisation.
Travellers to countries where hepatitis B is common who place themselves at risk when abroad. The risk behaviour includes sexual activity, injecting drug use, undertaking relief work and/or participating in contact sports. Also, if you may need a medical or dental procedure in these countries and the procedure may not be done with sterile equipment.

You need three doses of the vaccine for full protection. The second dose is usually given one month after the first dose. The third dose is usually given five months after the second dose. One month after the third dose you should have a blood test. This checks if you have made antibodies against the hepatitis B virus and are immune. This is because in some people, three doses of the vaccine are not sufficient and further doses are needed.

A schedule of giving three doses quicker than usual may be used in some situations. That is, three doses with each dose a month apart. An even quicker schedule is also sometimes used. That is, the second dose given seven days after the first, and the third dose given 21 days after the first. These quicker schedules may be used if you are at very high risk of infection and need to be immune as soon as possible. For example, if you are soon to travel abroad, are new to prison, or are sharing needles to inject drugs. However, a more rapid schedule may not be as effective for long-term immunity unless a fourth dose is given 12 months after the first dose. Your doctor will advise on the best schedule for your circumstances.