What is a Hepatitis B Vaccine
The Hepatitis B vaccine is a proven and effective way to protect against infection with the Hepatitis B virus (HBV). Hepatitis B is a highly contagious viral infection that targets the liver. It can cause short-term illness (acute infection) and long-term illness (chronic infection), sometimes leading to cirrhosis, liver cancer, or liver failure.
The vaccine works by introducing a small, non-infectious part of the Hepatitis B virus into your body, which stimulates your immune system to produce protective antibodies. These antibodies remain in your system and will recognise and fight off the virus if you are exposed in the future. Vaccination is the most reliable way to prevent Hepatitis B and its serious complications.
How Does the Hepatitis B Vaccine Work?
The vaccine contains purified proteins from the Hepatitis B virus.
- After injection, your body’s immune system recognises these proteins as foreign and begins producing antibodies.
- These antibodies provide long-term protection, preventing the virus from multiplying and damaging the liver if you are exposed.
- Completing the full course (three doses) is essential to build strong and lasting immunity.
How is Hepatitis B Transmitted
Hepatitis B is primarily transmitted through contact with blood, semen, or other body fluids from an infected person. Here are the main ways it can spread:
- Sexual Contact: Hepatitis B can spread through unprotected sexual contact with an infected person. This includes vaginal, anal, and oral sex.
- Sharing Needles: Sharing needles or syringes with an infected person, commonly associated with injection drug use, can transmit the virus.
- Mother to Child: An infected mother can pass the virus to her baby during childbirth. However, vaccination at birth can prevent this transmission.
- Blood-to-Blood Contact: Hepatitis B can spread through contact with infected blood. This can happen through needlestick injuries, sharing personal items such as razors or toothbrushes that may have traces of infected blood, or getting tattoos or body piercings with unsterilised equipment.
Because the virus can survive outside the body for up to seven days, even small amounts of blood or fluid can transmit infection. Many infected individuals may not have symptoms at first, which is why vaccination is the safest protection.
Hepatitis B is not spread through casual contact such as hugging, kissing, or sharing utensils. Vaccination is highly effective in preventing hepatitis B infection. Hepatitis B infection can be detected via Hepatitis B Tests.
Who should take the Hepatitis B Vaccine
Hepatitis B vaccine is available for all. We recommend infants and children to get the Hepatitis B vaccine. Certain groups are at higher risk of exposure to the virus and are especially encouraged to get vaccinated, including:
- All infants and children who have not completed the full vaccine course
- Adults who were never vaccinated in childhood
- Sexual partners or household contacts of people with Hepatitis B
- Healthcare workers, first responders, and caregivers at risk of occupational exposure
- Frequent travellers to countries with high rates of Hepatitis B
- People with chronic conditions such as diabetes or kidney disease who may need frequent medical procedures
- Immunocompromised individuals who may be more vulnerable to complications
For patients, we recommend checking an anti HbS level (blood test) before and 3 months after the course of vaccination. This is usually paired with a HBsAg level. This is to ensure that you have the appropriate amount of circulating antibodies to protect you against Hepatitis B.
Benefits of the Hepatitis B Vaccine
- Provides strong, long-lasting immunity against Hepatitis B
- Reduces the risk of chronic infection, cirrhosis, and liver cancer
- Protects infants from mother-to-child transmission at birth
- Safe for both adults and children, with minimal side effects
- Reduces community transmission and protects vulnerable groups
Hepatitis B remains a significant health concern in Asia. Although vaccination programmes have greatly reduced infection rates in Singapore, unvaccinated adults remain at risk. Vaccination not only protects you but also helps maintain herd immunity, reducing the overall burden of liver disease in the population.
Hepatitis B Vaccine Available
We offer both Hepatitis A and B vaccine
3 doses are recommended for Hep B, taken at 0 month, 1 month, and 6 month. Suitable for all ages.
Please Note:
Relevant subsidies apply.
Prices are listed in SGD and are for 1 dose of the vaccine ONLY. Prices are exclusive of GST. Mandatory consultation and administration charges are applicable.
*Prices listed were last updated on 1 July 2024. Prices may be subject to change.
Why Choose Regis Medical
Finding Us
Holland Village
255 Holland Ave, Singapore 278983
Near MRT Exit B
Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri:
8.30am - 2.30pm
5.30pm - 10.00pm
Wed:
8.30am - 2.30pm
Sat:
9.00am - 3.00pm
Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays. For the latest updates on our clinic’s opening hours, please check our Google Maps.
** GP registration ends 15 mins before the closing time above, while Physiotherapy & Acupuncture end registration 45 mins before. Please book an appointment in advance to avoid queues and disappointment.
Katong
437 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427650
Near Marine Parade MRT
Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri:
8.30am - 2.30pm
5.30pm - 10.00pm
Wed:
8.30am - 2.30pm
Sat:
9.00am - 3.00pm
Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays. For the latest updates on our clinic’s opening hours, please check our Google Maps.
** GP registration ends 15 mins before the closing time above, while Physiotherapy & Acupuncture end registration 45 mins before. Please book an appointment in advance to avoid queues and disappointment.
FAQ
Accessibility & Support
Regis Medical Holland Village is located at 255 Holland Avenue, Singapore 278983
Regis Medical Katong is located at 437 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427650
Click here to view our opening hoursYes, you can just walk in for Hepatitis B vaccinations. However, we always recommend you booking an appointment in advanced to avoid waiting time.
Appointment
To book an appointment at Regis Medical Holland Village, please call or whatsapp us 8118 5298
To book an appointment at Regis Medical Katong, please call or whatsapp us 9851 3728
You can only cancel or change your appointments up to 24 hours before your appointment. You will receive your refund within 3 working days. No refund will be issued for no shows and cancellations within 24 hours before your appointment.
Yes. You can reschedule your appointments. However, you need to reschedule your appointment at least 24 hours before your actual appointment time.
No refund will be issued for missed appointments.
Finance
We accept Visa/Mastercard/AMEX, PayNow, JCB, UnionPay and ApplePay.
General Enquiry
The number of doses needed for the Hepatitis B vaccine depends on the specific vaccine product being used and the age of the individual receiving the vaccine. In most cases, a standard vaccination schedule includes a series of three doses.
Although some vaccines can be taken on the same day, it is not advised as you may experience side effects such as nausea, headache, or fever.
You are not advised to take any vaccines if you are ill or feeling unwell as the side effects of vaccines can worsen your existing conditions and symptoms.
Yes, it is generally safe for pregnant women to take Hepatitis B vaccines. Please consult our Doctors for more details.
Side effects of Hepatitis B vaccine are signs of your body building up immunity. Hepatitis B vaccines are generally safe and only have mild side effects.
Common side effects after taking vaccinations include:
- Pain, swelling, itchiness, or redness at the area of injection
- Mild fever
- Feeling tired
- Headache
- Muscle and joint aches
- Nausea
If you experience severe side effects after taking vaccines, please see a Doctor immediately.
No fasting is required before taking any vaccines.
- Your IC
- Appointment confirmation email if you booked online
- CHAS, Pioneer or Merdeka card if applicable
Transcript
The hepatitis B vaccine helps protect against infection with the hepatitis B virus, which primarily affects the liver. The infection can cause both acute and chronic disease and may lead to cirrhosis, liver cancer, or liver failure.
How the vaccine works
It stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies against the virus, providing protection and reducing the chance of infection if exposed in the future.
Transmission routes
- Sexual contact — spreads through unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected person.
- Sharing needles — common among injection drug use.
- Mother-to-child — during childbirth, unless the baby is vaccinated at birth.
- Blood-to-blood contact — via needle-stick injuries, sharing razors/toothbrushes, tattoos/piercings with unsterilised equipment, or blood transfusions.
It does not spread through casual contact such as hugging, kissing, or sharing utensils.
Who should consider vaccination or boosters?
- Infants and children (suitable for all ages)
- Healthcare workers or anyone exposed to blood/body fluids
- People who inject drugs
- Individuals with multiple sexual partners or STI history
- Men who have sex with men
- Those living with someone with chronic hepatitis B
- Individuals on hemodialysis or with chronic liver disease
- Recipients of blood transfusions or organ transplants
- Travellers to high-risk regions (Caribbean, Far East, Middle East, Africa, South America, Eastern Europe, Central Asia)
- Infants born to infected mothers
Travel advice
If you are travelling to a high-risk area and your previous hepatitis B vaccination is no longer valid, a booster is recommended for continuous protection.
Bottom line
The hepatitis B vaccine is a safe, simple, and effective way to reduce your risk. At Regis Medical, we ensure you and your family are protected before you travel or if you fall into a higher-risk group.