Are you looking to travel for work, or maybe even just a holiday? Wherever you’re going, it’s important to check the risks associated with your destination beforehand. If you are travelling to a high-risk Hepatitis B destination, it is vital that you get protected. This is especially true if you are travelling for occupations that put you in contact with bodily fluids. That’s why we’re here to help. Keep reading for our ultimate guide on Hepatitis B, including how to get the Hepatitis B vaccine in Tamworth.

What is Hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B is an infection spread through direct contact with infected bodily fluids and blood. The liver infection is caught through means such as:

– Getting infected blood in an open wound

– Puncturing your skin with a used needle accidentally

– Having unprotected sex with an infected person

– Having a dental or medical treatment, piercing or tattoo in an unsterilised environment

Where is Hepatitis B commonly found?

Generally, it is not common in the UK. Any new cases of Hepatitis B tend to come from high-risk countries such as:

– Southeast and East Africa

– Sub-Saharan Africa

– The Pacific Islands

– The Indian Subcontinent

– Parts of South America

– Southern Parts of Eastern and Central Europe

No matter where you go, we recommend checking NHS Fit for Travel in advance of your trip. This will make sure you know what vaccines you need to book with us.

Why might I need a Hepatitis B vaccine for occupational travel?

9 in 10 adults develop protection against Hepatitis B after having the vaccine. Essentially, this means that it is vital that you get it if you work in occupations such as:

– Firefighters

– Policing or prison staff

– Sewage workers

– Medical environment cleaners

– Healthcare or care home workers

– Medical waste disposal workers

What symptoms should I be aware of?

Ordinarily, you can spot Hepatitis B through symptoms such as:

– Loss of appetite

– Jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes)

– Abdominal pain

– Diarrhoea

– Flu-like symptoms, such as tiredness, fever, aches and pains

– Stomach pain

Are there ways to prevent Hepatitis B?

Ultimately, you should avoid contact with bodily fluids and blood. Measures you can take include:

– Not sharing shaving tools

– Avoiding getting acupuncture, a tattoo or piercing where they don’t have sterile equipment

– Not having unprotected sexual intercourse

– Using necessary protection if contact is unavoidable due to occupation etc

– The vaccine is the most effective way to protect yourself. You can learn more about preventing Hepatitis B here:

Preventing Hepatitis B

How can I get the Hepatitis B vaccine in Tamworth?

If you are heading off to any of the destinations above, especially for work, we recommend visiting us. The vaccine consists of 3 doses; the time in between them is determined by how quickly you need protection. Wherever you are headed, we offer a comprehensive range of travel vaccines; you can learn more below. Book in online today using the booking calendar below!

Travel Vaccine Guide Vaccine Prices Book Now

This blog post was written on behalf of The Travel Health Clinic by Pharmacy Mentor.