Hepatitis B vaccine

The Hepatitis B Vaccination Service from Ways Pharmacy is a private, pharmacist-administered course of recombinant hepatitis B vaccine (Engerix B or HBvaxPRO) that produces protective anti-HBs antibodies against hepatitis B virus, available at our Holborn (London) and Beeston (Nottingham) branches for adults and adolescents from 18 years of age.

Key facts

Who the hepatitis B vaccine is for

• Healthcare workers, dentists, lab staff and first responders with occupational exposure to blood or body fluids
• Travellers to countries with intermediate or high HBV prevalence (parts of Africa, Asia, South America)
• People who live with, or are in close contact with, someone who is HBV-positive
• Men who have sex with men, sex workers, and people who inject drugs
• People with chronic liver or kidney disease, including those on dialysis
• Anyone who simply wants long-term protection against hepatitis B

Not suitable for: people with a confirmed allergy to any vaccine component (including yeast); people who are acutely unwell with fever on the day. Pregnancy and breastfeeding are not absolute contraindications but should be discussed with the pharmacist.

How the service works

1. Select the course and complete payment online.
2. Call your chosen branch to book the first appointment:
   Holborn London: 020 8106 7084
   Beeston Nottingham: 0115 925 5584
3. At the first appointment our pharmacist reviews your risk factors and travel timeline and confirms whether the standard, accelerated or ultra-rapid schedule is appropriate.
4. Receive the first dose. All follow-up appointments are booked at the same visit.
5. If clinically indicated (e.g. healthcare workers), a post-course anti-HBs antibody check can be discussed.

Frequently asked questions

How many doses do I need?

Most people need 3 doses on a 0, 1 and 6 month schedule. Travellers and high-risk adults often use the accelerated 0, 1, 2 month schedule with a 12-month booster. An ultra-rapid Day 0 / Day 7 / Day 21 schedule (plus 12-month booster) is available for adults aged 18 and over who need urgent protection.

How soon does immunity develop?

Protective antibody levels develop in over 90% of healthy adults within about 1 to 2 months of completing the primary course. Faster schedules give earlier short-term protection but the 12-month booster is needed to lock in long-term immunity.

How long does hepatitis B immunity last?

For most healthy adults who complete the course, protection lasts for decades and a routine booster is not required. People at ongoing high risk (e.g. healthcare workers) may be advised to check anti-HBs antibody levels 1 to 2 months after the course and receive a booster around 5 years later if needed.

Is this an NHS service?

No. The NHS provides hepatitis B vaccination free to babies as part of the routine 6-in-1 jab and to specific occupational and at-risk groups. This is a private, self-pay service for adults outside those NHS pathways, including travellers and people seeking immediate access.

Can I have the vaccine if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

The hepatitis B vaccine is inactivated and is not contraindicated in pregnancy or breastfeeding. It is offered when the benefit of protection outweighs the risks (for example, ongoing exposure or imminent travel). The pharmacist will discuss your situation before administering the vaccine.

What if I miss a dose or do not complete the course?

If you miss a scheduled dose, resume the course as soon as you can — there is no need to restart from the beginning. If you only complete 1 or 2 of the 3 prepaid doses, our refund policy applies: a fee per dose administered is retained and the balance is refunded. The pharmacist will explain the exact figures at the time.

Safety

• Administered by a GPhC-registered pharmacist in a private consulting room
• Cold-chain vaccine storage maintained at all times
• Clinical screening on the day to confirm suitability
• 15-minute observation period after each injection
• Common side effects (injection-site soreness, mild fever, fatigue) usually settle within 1 to 2 days

References

• NHS — Hepatitis B vaccine overview
• Engerix B — Patient Information Leaflet (emc)
• HBvaxPRO — Patient Information Leaflet (emc)

* Subject to availability. Eligibility criteria and clinical exclusions apply. This is a private service and is not provided by the NHS.