Hepatitis B 

What is Hepatitis B? 

Hepatitis B is an infection of the liver caused by a virus that’s spread through blood and body fluids. It often does not cause any obvious symptoms in adults, and typically passes in a few months without treatment but can cause serious liver damage in children.

Why is vaccination important?

You must be vaccinated against Hepatitis B before performing any nursing duties in a dental practice.

Most practices will allow you to work after your first Hepatitis B vaccination, though certain treatments may be restricted until you’re fully vaccinated. This will depend on risk assessments.

Some practices may require you to complete all three doses of the Hepatitis B vaccination series before working in the surgery.

How to get the vaccination

We recommend contacting your GP first, as they may be able to provide the Hepatitis B vaccination at a reduced rate or even for free.

Due to recent nationwide shortages, your GP might not have the vaccine available. If that’s the case, you’ll need to visit a private travel clinic. To find one nearby, a quick online search is your best option.

How much does the vaccine cost?

At a private travel clinic, the Hepatitis B vaccine typically costs around £50 per injection. Since three injections are required for full vaccination, the total cost would be approximately £150.

I think I’m already vaccinated

If you think you’re already vaccinated against Hepatitis B, you’ll need to provide proof through a blood test. We recommend checking with your GP to see if they can perform the test. If not, you may need to visit a private travel clinic for the blood test.

Can I start working without the vaccination?

Some practices may allow you to work in reception or perform administrative duties while you await vaccination, but this will depend on their individual policies.

How long does the process take?

Typically, the second Hepatitis B injection is given four weeks after the first, followed by the third injection five months later. However, some clinics may follow a slightly different schedule.