Next-day appointments available
Book an appointment at one of our branches for next-day service.
About hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Many new infections with hepatitis B may have a flu-like illness. The infection usually lasts only a few months, but some people can have hepatitis B long-term.
In the majority of cases of hepatitis B, symptoms do not occur. Symptoms more commonly occur in adults than children and may include: jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), loss of appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Persistent hepatitis B infection develops in 80 to 90% of those infected in the first year of life and only 5% of those infected in their adult years. Persistent infection may lead to liver failure or liver cancer.
How can you get hepatitis B?
The risk for travellers is low, although certain behaviours or activities put individuals at higher risk, particularly in areas where hepatitis B is more common. These behaviours and activities include:
Unprotected sex
Exposure to blood or blood products through occupation, such as healthcare workers or having a blood transfusion in a country that does not check blood for hepatitis B. Blood transfusions in the UK are checked for hepatitis B
Exposure to contaminated needles through injecting drug use, having a tattoo or piercing with unsterilised equipment or as a result of accessing medical or dental care
Participation in contact sports
Adoption of children from risk countries
Long stay travel
Hepatitis B for occupational health
Employees who work with blood or bodily fluids are at the greatest risk of contracting Hepatitis B. These may include, but are not limited to, health care employees, care home workers, prison or police personnel, medical waste disposal personnel, sewage workers, firefighters, and cleaners in medical environments.
If you work in a high-risk occupation, you should think about getting vaccinated against Hepatitis B for yourself or your employees.
Available service options
If you can’t find what you’re looking for, email our customer care team or chat with us.
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Hepatitis B Vaccine - Single Dose
£55 per patient
This service option is for only one dose. You will require three doses to complete the full course to be fully protected.
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Hepatitis B Vaccine - Complete Course
£150 per patient
This service option is suitable for anyone aged 16 years and over. You will require three doses to complete the full course to be fully protected.
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Hepatitis B Vaccine (Paediatric) - Single Dose
£29.70 per patient
This service option is only suitable for children between 0 and 15 years. You will require three doses to complete the full course to be fully protected.
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Hepatitis B Vaccine (Paediatric) - Complete Course
£89.10 per patient
This service option is only suitable for children between 0 and 15 years. You will require three doses to complete the full course to be fully protected.
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Hepatitis B Vaccine (Occupational Health) - Single Dose
£55 per patient
This service option is for only one dose. You will require three doses to complete the full course to be fully protected.
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Hepatitis B Vaccine (Occupational Health) - Complete Course
£150 per patient
This service option is suitable for anyone aged 16 years and over. You will require three doses to complete the full course to be fully protected.
Prefer to book this service over the phone?
Call us on 0113 322 9984
Number of doses required and when to boost
Number of doses | When to boost |
|---|---|
Three or four doses depending on individual circumstances and the available vaccine brand. Option 1: Days 0, 1 and 6 months Option 2: Days 0, 1 and 2 months Accelerated Schedule: Given on days 0, 7, 21 days & 12 months | A booster dose is not required except for healthcare workers (boost once at five years), patients with renal failure and at times of significant exposure. |
Not sure what service option you need?
If you are unsure which vaccines you need for your holiday, why not take advantage of our travel health advice service? This service includes a personalised telephone consultation to determine your travel health requirements, including vaccination, altitude sickness, jet lag, period delay, travellers' diarrhoea and antimalarials.
High risk areas for hepatitis B
Hepatitis B occurs worldwide, with the risk of getting the disease higher in some parts of the world, including:
East Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa
The Amazon
Southern parts of Eastern and Central Europe
The Middle East
The Indian subcontinent
Parts of South America
The rates of infection in Western Europe and North America are low.
What our customers think
5 out of 5 stars
The Pharmacist who checked my BP was friendly and helpful and answered a query. It only took a few moments to check.
Gary Allen
5 out of 5 stars
Thank you so much you did great would recommend to anyone.keep up the good professional work.
Patrick Cullimore
5 out of 5 stars
Excellent service definitely would recommend, managed to get me appointment same day young lady was so professional in explaining and carrying out the treatment, feeling much better now, thank you.
Lee Robertshaw
5 out of 5 stars
Excellent service received at Midway pharmacy Middleton Leeds yesterday both ears were totally blocked and the young girl that performed the syringing was friendly and explained what was happening clearly and efficiently all done in 10 minutes can hear again now fantastic!
Jane Cooper
Frequently asked questions
If you can’t find what you’re looking for, email our customer care team or chat with us.
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Is the hepatitis B vaccine free for healthcare workers?
Your employer should organise your vaccination if your job puts you at risk.
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What is chronic hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B infection usually lasts 1 to 3 months, and most people either have no or mild symptoms. If the infection lasts longer than six months, it is called chronic hepatitis B.
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What are the side effects of the hepatitis B vaccine?
The hepatitis B vaccine is very safe. Besides some redness and soreness at the injection site, side effects are rare. It is an inactivated (dead) vaccine, so it cannot cause the infection.
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Can I get the hepatitis B vaccine while I am pregnant?
The hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for pregnant women in a high-risk category. There is no evidence of any risk from vaccinating pregnant or breastfeeding women against hepatitis B. As it is an inactivated (dead) vaccine, the risk to the unborn baby is likely negligible (insignificant).
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How can I ease the symptoms of hepatitis B?
As well as medical treatments, there are some things you can do when you have hepatitis B to help ease the symptoms and stop the infection from spreading to others.
Do
Don't
Rest and stay hydrated
Do not drink alcohol
Take painkillers like paracetamol and ibuprofen – ask your doctor for advice about how much paracetamol you should take, as you may not be able to take a normal dose
Do not have sex without a condom or dam
Keep your room well-ventilated, wear loose clothing and avoid hot showers and baths if you feel itchy
Do not share razors, toothbrushes or needles with others
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Do I need a booster for the hepatitis B vaccine?
Once you have completed the course, you usually won't need another booster except for healthcare workers (boost every five years), patients with renal failure, and at the time of significant exposure.
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What are the symptoms of hepatitis B?
Symptoms of hepatitis B infection include:
a high temperature
tiredness
pain in your upper tummy
feeling sick or being sick
patches of raised skin that may be itchy (hives)
yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice)
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Is the hepatitis B vaccine available on the NHS?
A hepatitis B-containing vaccine is provided for all babies born in the UK on or after 1 August 2017. This is given as part of the 6-in-1 vaccine. Hospitals, GP surgeries and sexual health or GUM clinics usually provide the hepatitis B vaccination free of charge for anyone at risk of infection.
GPs are not obliged to provide the hepatitis B vaccine on the NHS if you're not thought to be at risk.
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When should I test for immunity after having the hepatitis B vaccine?
Testing for evidence of immunity after vaccination is only routinely recommended for those in certain groups. In those at risk of occupational exposure, particularly healthcare and laboratory workers, antibody levels should be checked one to two months after completing the full vaccination course.
Midway Pharmacy offers a private blood test service to help you test for immunity against hepatitis B.
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How do I reduce the risk of hepatitis B?
To help protect yourself from hepatitis B, you should:
use a condom or dam when having vaginal, anal, or oral sex
avoid sharing razors, toothbrushes, and needles with others
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Is the hepatitis B vaccine effective?
The hepatitis B vaccine is very effective. About 9 in every 10 adults who have it develop protection against hepatitis B.
The vaccine can work less well in people who:
are over 40
are obese
smoke
are dependent on alcohol, particularly people with advanced liver disease
If you have a weakened immune system or are on kidney dialysis, the hepatitis B vaccine may not work as well as usual. You may need more frequent doses.
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How do I prevent hepatitis B?
Vaccination is the best way to prevent hepatitis B.
Adults need to get the vaccine if they're at high risk, for example:
you are travelling to a high-risk country
you have liver or kidney disease
you have HIV
your job puts you at risk of infection – for example, you're a healthcare worker or work in a prison
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Where is this service available?
This service is available in our branches, which are commutable from anywhere in Yorkshire, including Leeds, Bradford, Wakefield, York, Huddersfield, Sheffield, Barnsley, Hull, Doncaster, Ripon, Harrogate, Dewsbury, Keighley and Scarborough.
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Are next-day appointments available?
Yes, you can get next-day appointments at all our branches. Contact our customer care team if you cannot find an available slot.
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Next-day appointments are available at our branches.