Common questions about the Hepatitis B vaccination
Can I drink alcohol after the injection?
Yes. The vaccine does not interact with alcohol. [top]
Can I have sex after the injection?
Yes, the vaccine does not contain real Hepatitis B virus. You cannot pass it on.[top]
Does the vaccine affect drugs/medicines?
No, the vaccine does not interact with prescribed or recreational drugs . [top]
What if I'm late with one of the injections?
It is important to complete all 3 injections. Generally the advice is that if you are more than six months late with your second injection or more than one year late for your third injection you will need to start the course of injections back at the beginning. [top]
When will I become protected?
The only way to be sure you have become protected is to have a blood test several weeks after the last injection. The table below shows the percentage of people who become protected at each stage.
After one injection 41%
After two injections 86%
After three injections 97%
[top]
Does the vaccine protect me for life?
Booster doses are recommended every 5 years. The antibodies that protect you from the Hepatitis B virus will slowly fall over time in your blood. The booster is recommended to keep your antibody levels high and protect you from infection. [top]
What is in the vaccine?
The vaccine is produced synthetically. It does not contain real Hepatitis B virus. [top]
What are the side effects?
Side effects are uncommon. The most common is some mild soreness or redness at the site of the injection. Other possible side effects include fever, rash, muscle and joint aches. Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) are extremely rare and are treated with an injection of adrenaline. [top]
Is there anyone who can't have the vaccine?
It is recommended that people unwell with high fevers (e.g. flu) should wait until the illness has settled. Anyone who has had a severe allergic reaction to a Hepatitis B vaccine should not have further doses. (Severe allergic reactions are extremely rare). [top]