Hepatitis B Vaccine – Long-Term Protection at Corbett Pharmacy Droitwich Travel Clinic

Introduction: Why I Recommend the Hepatitis B Vaccine for Many Travellers

As Chief Pharmacist and Travel Clinic Lead at Corbett Pharmacy in Droitwich, I often advise patients about the risks of Hepatitis B. Unlike some travel illnesses that come and go, Hepatitis B can cause serious, lifelong liver disease.

The virus is spread through blood and bodily fluids, which means the risk isn’t limited to food or water. Travellers may be exposed through medical treatment abroad, tattooing, or even everyday injuries that require care.

The Hepatitis B vaccine provides safe and effective long-term protection, and in some cases, lifelong immunity. That’s why I recommend it for many of my patients heading to Asia, Africa, and South America.

➡️ If you’re planning a trip, book your Hepatitis B vaccine today.

What is Hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that attacks the liver. It’s considered one of the most serious types of viral hepatitis because of its ability to cause chronic infection and long-term complications.

Symptoms of Hepatitis B include:

• Fatigue and weakness

• Loss of appetite

• Nausea and vomiting

• Abdominal pain

• Jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes)

• Dark urine and pale stools

In many cases, symptoms don’t appear straight away – or at all – meaning people can unknowingly spread the virus. Chronic Hepatitis B increases the risk of cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver cancer.

See more here: NHS – Hepatitis B.

How is Hepatitis B Spread?

Hepatitis B is transmitted through blood and body fluids. This means you can be at risk if you:

• Have unprotected sex with an infected person

• Share needles or personal items like razors and toothbrushes

• Receive tattoos or piercings with unsterile equipment

• Require medical or dental treatment in countries with poor hygiene standards

• Experience cuts, wounds, or injuries requiring treatment abroad

Unlike Hepatitis A, which spreads through food and water, Hepatitis B is linked to blood exposure and intimate contact.

Where is Hepatitis B Common?

Hepatitis B is present worldwide, but risk is much higher in certain regions:

• Asia – India, Thailand, Indonesia, China, the Philippines

• Africa – Sub-Saharan Africa has particularly high prevalence

• South America – Amazon Basin and rural areas

• Eastern Europe and Russia

Travellers to these destinations are at greater risk, particularly if staying long-term or volunteering.

➡️ Not sure if you need it? Book a consultation and I’ll assess your itinerary: Book Now

How Does the Hepatitis B Vaccine Work?

The vaccine contains purified surface proteins from the virus, which trigger your immune system to create protective antibodies.

Vaccine schedule at Corbett Pharmacy – Droitwich Travel Clinic:

• Standard course: 3 doses (over 6 months)

• Accelerated course: 3 doses over 1 month + booster at 1 year

• Provides long-term, often lifelong, protection

• Suitable for adults and children

We’ll discuss which schedule works best depending on your travel date.

➡️ Learn more: Hepatitis B Vaccine – Droitwich Travel Clinic

Who Should Get the Hepatitis B Vaccine?

I recommend the Hepatitis B vaccine for:

• Travellers to Asia, Africa, and South America

• Healthcare workers and volunteers abroad

• Aid workers or long-term travellers in rural regions

• Anyone likely to need medical or dental treatment abroad

• People planning tattoos, piercings, or acupuncture overseas

• Children travelling to high-risk regions (due to higher exposure risk)

Other Vaccines Often Combined with Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B vaccination is often paired with:

• Hepatitis A – food and waterborne liver infection

• Rabies – for rural or animal exposure

• Typhoid – for safe food and water protection

• Tetanus – important for wound protection

• Japanese Encephalitis – for rural Asia

➡️ I can create a personalised vaccination schedule for your travel needs: Book Your Appointment

Hepatitis B vs. Hepatitis A – What’s the Difference?

Many of my patients choose to get both Hepatitis A and B protection for full peace of mind.

Side Effects of the Hepatitis B Vaccine

The Hepatitis B vaccine is very safe.

Common mild side effects:

• Redness or soreness at the injection site

• Mild fever or headache

• Fatigue

Rare side effects:

• Allergic reaction (extremely rare)

I’ll always review your medical history before vaccination to make sure it’s safe for you.

Frequently Asked Questions – Hepatitis B Vaccine

1. How long does the Hepatitis B vaccine last?
It usually provides long-term, often lifelong, protection. Boosters may be advised for some people.

2. How many doses do I need?
Three doses, given either over 6 months (standard) or 1 month (accelerated).

3. Can children have the Hepatitis B vaccine?
Yes – it can be given safely to children, and in fact, many countries include it in childhood immunisations.

4. How soon before travel should I start the vaccine course?
Ideally at least 6 weeks before travel, but we can provide an accelerated schedule if you’re leaving sooner.

5. Is the Hepatitis B vaccine available on the NHS?
Not usually for travel purposes. It is available privately through clinics like ours.

6. What if I don’t finish the full course before I travel?
Some protection is better than none – and you can complete the course when you return.

7. Do I need both Hepatitis A and B vaccines?
Yes – for many destinations, it’s advisable. We can provide them as a combined course if needed.

Why Choose Corbett Pharmacy – Droitwich Travel Clinic for Your Hepatitis B Vaccine?

Patients across Droitwich, Worcester, and Worcestershire trust us because:

• We stock both standard and accelerated Hepatitis B schedules

• I (Aran Bassi) personally deliver every consultation

• We offer flexible, same-week appointments for last-minute travellers

• We combine Hepatitis B with other vaccines to streamline protection

• Convenient location at 36 Corbett Avenue, Droitwich WR9 7BE

➡️ Don’t wait until it’s too late – book your Hepatitis B vaccine now.

Conclusion: Protect Yourself Against Hepatitis B Before You Travel

Hepatitis B is a serious infection that can cause lifelong illness, but it’s also easily preventable with vaccination. Whether you’re heading to Asia, Africa, or South America, the Hepatitis B vaccine provides safe and lasting protection.

At Corbett Pharmacy – Droitwich Travel Clinic, I’ll make sure you’re protected, informed, and ready to travel with confidence.

➡️ Book your Hepatitis B vaccine appointment today

Written by:
Aran Bassi
Chief Pharmacist & Travel Clinic Lead
Corbett Pharmacy – Droitwich Travel Clinic
36 Corbett Avenue, Droitwich, WR9 7BE
📞 01905 795618