Hepatitis B vaccine - About the hepatitis B vaccine

The hepatitis B vaccine is offered to people thought to be at increased risk of getting hepatitis B or having complications. It is also offered to children as part of the routine immunisation programme. 

The hepatitis B vaccine is given to help protect you or your baby against hepatitis B. 

There are two classes of products which are available for immunisation against Hepatitis B. Hepatitis B immunoglobulin gives a temporary and passive immunity while waiting for the vaccine to respond and the Hepatitis B vaccine, which gives active immunity. 

The Hepatitis B vaccine does not contain live organisms (it is inactivated) and cannot cause the disease. It is prepared from yeast cells and is manufactured by recombinant DNA technology.

Although the risk of catching hepatitis B is low in the UK, children and adults who are in groups that are at higher risk of catching hepatitis B are also offered the vaccine. If you have the infection when you are pregnant, your baby is at risk of developing hepatitis B and is given extra doses of the vaccine.  

You can find more information on hepatitis B and the vaccine by visiting the NHS 111 Wales website.

Page last reviewed: 16th May 2025