Hepatitis B is a viral infection that is spread through infected blood or bodily fluids. It can lead to severe liver problems and is often fatal. Hepatitis B is 100 times more infectious than HIV.
You will need three doses of the vaccine to ensure full protection. The second dose is usually given approximately one month after the first dose. The third dose follows five months after the second dose.
After the third dose you may need to have a blood test. The doctor will be able to advise you if you require a blood test. This checks if you have made antibodies against the hepatitis B virus and are immune.
The Hepatitis B vaccine is available to people of all ages and protection lasts for at least 20 years.