Hepatitis B vaccine - Safety and effectiveness
Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to prevent severe illness from hepatitis B. No vaccine is 100% effective, so it is still important to know the signs and symptoms of hepatitis B, even if you or your child are vaccinated. Visit our Hepatitis B page if you would like to learn more about the disease:
There is no evidence of any risk from vaccinating pregnant or breastfeeding women against hepatitis B, as it is an inactivated (killed) vaccine.
Side effects
Hepatitis B vaccines are usually well tolerated. The most common side effects are soreness and redness at the site of the injection.
Other reactions are rare. For more information on common and rare side effects, visit the following external resources:
- Engerix B: Engerix: B® 10 micrograms/0.5ml / Engerix B® 20 micrograms/1ml
- HBvaxPro: HBvaxPRO® 5 micrograms/0.5ml / HBvaxPRO® 10 micrograms/1ml / HBvaxPRO® 40 micrograms/1ml (for kidney patients).
- Fendrix
- Infant 6-in-1 vaccine: Infanrix hexa / Vaxselis
- Hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccine: Ambirix / Twinrix Adult Vaccine / Twinrix Paediatric
If you are concerned about symptoms, call NHS 111 Wales. Calls to NHS 111 Wales are free from landlines and mobile phones.
You can report suspected side effects of vaccines and medicines through the Yellow Card scheme. You can do this online by visiting Yellow Card’s website or by calling the Yellow Card scheme hotline on 0800 731 6789 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm).
Page last reviewed: 13th May 2025