Bramley Pharmacy, 261 Northfield Ave, W5 4UA
0208 840 4464
Open Friday: 09:00 - 18:30
Northfields Travel Clinic

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B Vaccine in Ealing

Protect yourself before travelling or working abroad. Book your Hepatitis B vaccine at Northfields Travel Clinic, delivered at Bramley Pharmacy (Ealing, W5).

Hepatitis B is a viral infection of the liver spread through blood and bodily fluids. It occurs worldwide, with the highest rates in East Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, parts of South America, the Middle East, and the Indian subcontinent.

While the risk to most travellers is low, certain activities, accidents, or workplace exposures can significantly increase risk — especially in countries where sterile medical equipment may be limited.

To review risk by country, visit NaTHNaC:
https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/factsheet/21/hepatitis-b

Northfields Travel Clinic (based at Bramley Pharmacy) provides Hepatitis B vaccination for both travel and occupational health purposes, with optional antibody immunity testing when clinically appropriate or mandated by employers.

How Hepatitis B Is Spread

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is transmitted through:

  • Contact with infected blood

  • Unprotected sexual contact

  • Sharing needles or injecting equipment

  • Contaminated medical or dental instruments

  • Blood transfusions in countries with poor screening

  • Tattooing or piercing with non-sterile equipment

  • Sharing razors, toothbrushes or nail tools

  • Needlestick injuries (occupational or accidental)

HBV is not spread through food, water, air, or casual contact.

Who Is at Increased Risk?

Travellers at risk include those who may:

  • Require medical or dental care abroad

  • Have new sexual partners

  • Stay long-term in high-prevalence regions

  • Participate in adventure activities or contact sports

  • Work or volunteer in healthcare settings

  • Get tattoos, piercings, beauty or cosmetic treatments abroad

Occupational groups requiring Hepatitis B vaccination include:

  • Healthcare workers (NHS and private sector)

  • Dentists and dental staff

  • Care home workers and carers

  • Prison staff

  • Police and emergency services

  • Laboratory workers

  • First-aiders and rescue personnel

  • Students on clinical placements

We frequently vaccinate for university healthcare course requirements, including:

  • Medicine

  • Nursing

  • Midwifery

  • Dentistry

  • Pharmacy

  • Physiotherapy

  • Biomedical sciences

We also provide the required immunity blood test (HBsAb).

Symptoms of Hepatitis B

Most people have no symptoms during early infection.

When symptoms do occur, they may include:

  • Fever

  • Jaundice

  • Loss of appetite

  • Fatigue

  • Abdominal pain

  • Nausea or vomiting

Chronic infection

  • Infants: 80–90% develop chronic infection

  • Adults: around 5%

  • Chronic Hepatitis B can lead to cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver cancer

There is no cure — prevention through vaccination is essential.

Reducing Your Risk While Travelling

All travellers should avoid exposure to blood and bodily fluids by:

  • Practising safe sex

  • Avoiding tattoos/piercings abroad unless equipment is sterile

  • Avoiding sharing needles or injecting equipment

  • Not sharing razors or toothbrushes

  • Using protective equipment when providing first aid

  • Carrying a sterile medical kit when travelling to low-resource regions

These behaviours also protect against HIV and Hepatitis C, for which there are no vaccines.

Hepatitis B Vaccine (Engerix B®) at Bramley Pharmacy

We provide Engerix B® for adults and Engerix Paediatric for children, suitable for travel and occupational health requirements.

Standard Schedule (3 doses)

  • Dose 1: Day 0

  • Dose 2: 1 month

  • Dose 3: 6 months

Accelerated Schedule (for urgent travel or job requirements)

  • Dose 1: Day 0

  • Dose 2: Day 7

  • Dose 3: Day 21

  • Booster: 12 months after the first dose

Price

  • £40 per dose

  • 3–4 doses total depending on schedule

  • Brand: Engerix B® / Engerix Paediatric

Post-Vaccination Antibody Testing (HBsAb)

Some employers, universities or clinical placements require proof of immunity.

We offer Hepatitis B Surface Antibody (HBsAb) testing to confirm your immune response, typically 6–8 weeks after completing the course.

This is recommended for:

  • Healthcare workers

  • Students entering healthcare courses

  • Laboratory staff

  • Those with kidney disease

  • Immunocompromised patients

  • Anyone who has received the vaccine but wants confirmation

If immunity is low, a booster dose may be recommended.

Booster Guidance

Public Health England (Green Book) states:

  • Routine 5-year boosters are not required for most travellers.

  • Boosters are needed only if you remain at ongoing high risk.

  • Healthcare and laboratory workers may require documented immunity (via blood test).

Our travel specialist pharmacist will advise based on your individual risk.

Book Your Hepatitis B Vaccine in Ealing

Northfields Travel Clinic provides Hepatitis B vaccination and occupational immunity testing on-site at Bramley Pharmacy, 261 Northfield Avenue, Ealing (W5).

Use our online booking widget to schedule your appointment.

Stay protected, meet occupational requirements, and travel with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need Hepatitis B vaccination for travel?

Not always — but it’s recommended if you plan activities where exposure to blood or bodily fluids is possible.

Do I need it for my job or university course?

Yes, many healthcare and laboratory roles require full vaccination and immunity proof.

How many doses do I need?

3 doses for standard schedule, or 3 fast-track doses plus a booster for accelerated protection.

Can I check if I’m immune?

Yes — we offer HBsAb blood testing.

Can children receive it?

Yes — vaccination is licensed from birth using Engerix Paediatric.

Is the vaccine safe?

Yes, Engerix B® has an excellent safety record.

Evidence-Based Sources

Other Vaccinations