Engerix-B 20mcg/ml Injection

The hepatitis B vaccine helps protect against hepatitis B, a virus that infects the liver. Hepatitis B spreads through blood and other body fluids, and can cause liver failure, long-term liver damage and liver cancer. The vaccine can also help protect against hepatitis D.

It is given to babies as part of routine childhood vaccines, to babies of mothers with hepatitis B, and to people at higher risk, such as healthcare workers, people on dialysis, people with long-term liver or kidney disease, people who inject drugs, close contacts of someone with hepatitis B, and some travellers.

The vaccine contains only part of the virus's outer coat, so it cannot give you hepatitis B.

It is given by a doctor or nurse as an injection, usually into the upper arm (or the thigh in babies).

• You need a course of at least 3 doses for good protection. Your doctor will choose the schedule.
• It is important to come back for every dose at the right time.
• A faster schedule may be used after recent exposure. Babies of mothers with hepatitis B may also get hepatitis B immunoglobulin.
• Some people, such as those on dialysis, may need a blood test or extra doses.
• It can be given at the same time as most other routine vaccines.

Side effects are usually mild and short-lived. They include:

• pain, redness, swelling or a hard lump where the injection was given
• headache, tiredness or irritability
• feeling sick, diarrhoea or stomach ache
• a high temperature

Get medical help straight away if you have:

• swelling of the face, trouble breathing, bluish skin or collapse (a very rare severe allergic reaction, usually soon after the injection)
• weakness, numbness or pins and needles in the arms or legs, or fits

Tell the doctor or nurse before vaccination if you:

• have had a serious allergic reaction to a previous dose or any ingredient
• have a high temperature or feel unwell (vaccination may be delayed)
• are on dialysis, or have an illness or treatment that weakens the immune system
• have a bleeding problem or bruise easily
• have fainted after an injection before

Store in a refrigerator (2 to 8°C). Do not freeze. Usually stored and given by healthcare staff.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: most people who need the vaccine can have it while pregnant or breastfeeding. Speak to your doctor first.

Not 100% protective: about 9 in 10 adults and nearly all babies are well protected after a full course. Older age, smoking, being overweight and some long-term illnesses can reduce protection, so keep avoiding risks such as sharing needles, razors or toothbrushes.

Driving: it is unlikely to affect driving, but do not drive if you feel unwell.