Vaccination Services - Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a serious liver infection that can become lifelong, and it is far more common globally than many Australians realise. A safe, effective vaccine protects against it, and while most young Australians are vaccinated in childhood, many adults benefit from checking their protection, especially before travel or for certain work.

What is hepatitis B, and the vaccine?

Hepatitis B is a viral infection of the liver spread through blood and body fluids, including from mother to baby, through unprotected sex, and through contact with infected blood. Unlike hepatitis A, hepatitis B can become a chronic (long-term) infection, particularly when caught early in life, leading to serious liver disease and liver cancer over time. The vaccine, given as a course of doses, provides long-lasting protection and is one of the reasons rates have fallen.

Who is it for?

Hepatitis B vaccine is part of the routine childhood schedule (starting at birth), free under the National Immunisation Program, so most younger Australians are protected. For adults, vaccination (or checking immunity) is recommended for:

Travellers to regions where hepatitis B is common (much of Asia, Africa, and beyond), especially for longer stays or higher-risk activities;
Occupational risk, such as healthcare and emergency workers;
Risk groups, including household and sexual contacts of people with hepatitis B, people who inject drugs, men who have sex with men, people on dialysis, and those with chronic liver disease;
Anyone who wants protection and is not already immune.

Funding applies for some groups; otherwise it may be a private vaccine. A blood test can check whether you are already immune.

Getting it at a pharmacy

Trained pharmacist immunisers commonly provide hepatitis B vaccination to adults, often as part of travel health. The pharmacist reviews your needs and history, administers the vaccine, observes you for around 15 minutes, and records it on the Australian Immunisation Register. It is a multi-dose course, so they will help you schedule the remaining doses; a combined hepatitis A and B vaccine is also available, which is convenient for travellers needing both.

Plan ahead

The standard course is spread over months, so start early, particularly before travel. Accelerated schedules exist for some situations; ask the pharmacist or your doctor if your trip is soon.

Safety

Hepatitis B vaccine has an excellent safety record, with mild, short-lived side effects such as a sore arm or low fever being most common. Tell the pharmacist about severe allergies, past reactions, pregnancy, or a weakened immune system.

How it’s regulated in Australia

Hepatitis B vaccine is approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration, funded under the National Immunisation Program for infants and eligible groups, and otherwise available privately. Pharmacist immunisers administer it under state and territory rules and record doses on the Australian Immunisation Register, guided by the Australian Immunisation Handbook.