Hepatitis B Vaccine Singapore

What Is the Hepatitis B Vaccine?

The hepatitis B vaccine helps your body build immunity against the hepatitis B virus (HBV), a virus that attacks the liver. An HBV infection can lead to long-term liver problems such as chronic hepatitis (ongoing liver inflammation), cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) and liver cancer.

Getting vaccinated is a widely used way to lower your risk of these serious liver conditions.

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How Does the Hepatitis B Vaccine Work?

The hepatitis B vaccine stimulates the immune system to produce protective antibodies without causing the disease.

It contains a small amount of purified HBV surface antigen, which triggers the body's defence mechanism to recognise and respond quickly if exposed to the actual virus in the future. This helps prevent infection and reduces the risk of transmission and complications.

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How Is Hepatitis B Transmitted?

Hepatitis B spreads when blood or bodily fluids from an infected person enter another person's body. Transmission can happen through:

• Mother-to-child transmission during childbirth
• Sharing needles or syringes
• Unprotected sex with an infected person
• Sharing items such as razors or toothbrushes that might be contaminated with infected blood

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What Are Some Symptoms of Hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B may cause a range of symptoms, including:

• Abdominal discomfort
• Yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice)
• Pain in the joints
• Nausea and vomiting

Hepatitis B may not present any symptoms in some cases, especially during the early stages. If you suspect exposure or experience symptoms, it is advisable to consult a doctor for testing and advice.

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Hepatitis B Vaccine Schedule for Adults

Under the National Adult Immunisation Schedule (NAIS), adults aged 18 and above who have never been vaccinated, or lack evidence of past infection or immunity, are encouraged to complete the three-dose series.

The schedule for adults is:

• First dose — At baseline
• Second dose — One month after the first
• Third dose — Six months after the first

Completing the full series is important for developing adequate and lasting immunity. In some cases, accelerated schedules may be used for specific travel or medical reasons, though these should be discussed with your doctor.

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What Are Some Side Effects of the Vaccine?

Side effects of the hepatitis B vaccine are generally mild and temporary. These may include:

• Feeling faint — Remaining seated for at least 15 minutes after the injection can reduce the risk.
• Local reactions — Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site may occur; applying a cold compress can offer relief.
• General symptoms — Headache or low-grade fever can be managed with paracetamol.
• Other effects — Some individuals may feel tired, dizzy, or irritable; these typically resolve on their own.

Seek medical attention if any side effects last longer than a few days, get worse or concern you.

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How Long Does the Hepatitis B Vaccine Last?

The hepatitis B vaccine usually protects you for decades, and possibly for life, after the full 3-dose course. Routine booster doses are not usually needed if you have a healthy immune system, although some high-risk groups may benefit from periodic testing or extra doses, depending on their risk of exposure.

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Hepatitis B Vaccine Price

At Singapore Women's Clinic, we offer the hepatitis B vaccine (Engerix-B) and the combined hepatitis A and B vaccine (Twinrix), with prices as follows:

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Why Choose Our Vaccination Services?