Key facts
- Number of doses: 4.
- Free for: Babies at birth, 2, 4 and 6 months of age.
- Side effects can include pain and swelling at the injection site, and a mild fever.
What is hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a viral infection of the liver. It can cause long-term liver damage and liver cancer. The virus spreads through contact with the blood or other bodily fluids of an infected person.
What is the hepatitis B vaccine
Hepatitis B vaccines are injections that help protect people from hepatitis B. The ingredients teach the immune system to recognise and fight the virus that causes hepatitis B, without causing the disease itself.
Hepatitis B vaccines are safe and effective at protecting against hepatitis B and its complications. Staying up to date with your vaccinations gives you the best protection.
You can find product information and consumer medicine information about hepatitis B vaccines on the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) website.
Who can get the hepatitis B vaccine
The hepatitis B vaccine is free under the NIP schedule for:
- babies at birth, 2, 4 and 6 months of age
- people 19 years of age or under (as a catch-up vaccination)
- refugees and other humanitarian entrants of any age (as a catch-up vaccination).
You must also have a Medicare card or be eligible for one. This includes babies and children.
If you are not eligible for the free vaccine through the NIP
Talk to your health professional about whether vaccination is recommended for you or your child. Most vaccines are available for private purchase with a prescription.
If you buy the vaccine yourself, you will need to pay for it. The cost is not covered or reimbursed through the NIP.
Some vaccines not funded by the National Immunisation Program may be funded by your state or territory. Check the immunisation schedule for your state or territory to find out more.
How the hepatitis B vaccine is given
The vaccine is injected into a muscle (intramuscularly).
Costs
Some providers charge a consultation fee to give vaccines (including free ones). Check before you make an appointment.
Side effects
Most side effects of hepatitis B vaccines are mild and last no more than a couple of days. Serious side effects are rare.
Common side effects include:
- pain, redness or swelling where the needle went in
- mild fever.
Occasionally a lump may form at the injection site. This may last for many weeks, but no treatment is needed.
Find out how to manage common vaccine side effects. If you’re worried, talk to a health professional.
Safety data
See safety data for the free vaccines given at 2 months, 4 months and 6 months of age from AusVaxSafety.
Checking immunisation history
You can get proof of vaccination for you or your child. Visit the Check immunisation history page to find out how.
Information for health professionals
If you are a health professional, visit our Vaccination clinical support for health professionals page for more information.
You can also read the Australian Immunisation Handbook hepatitis B page.
Next steps
Talk to a health professional to confirm if the hepatitis B vaccine is free or recommended for you or your child.
Find a health professional in your area or call your state or territory health department.
More information
- View our NIP resources.
- Watch our video called What is hepatitis B? to find out why childhood hepatitis B vaccination is so important.
- Visit our Childhood immunisation site.
- Read the Hepatitis B vaccines for Australians fact sheet on the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance Australia website.
Hepatitis B
Find out how effective the hepatitis B vaccine is and more about potential side effects.
Contact
