You want to get vaccinated against hepatitis B. Hepatitis B causes inflammation of the liver. This requires three vaccinations and a blood test. We will administer the vaccinations in a muscle in your upper arm in accordance with a fixed schedule. Once you have received all three vaccinations, we will take a blood sample to determine if your blood contains enough antibodies (titer test).
Why do I need this vaccination and this exam?
Hepatitis B is transmitted via infected blood. Vaccination will protect you against this. People with so-called high-risk occupations are advised to get vaccinated against hepatitis B. These high-risk occupations include medical and paramedical staff, health care workers, people who may come into contact with infected blood in some other way, e.g. people working in a tattoo shop or beauty parlour, etcetera. Interns and people in training for any of these occupations are also advised to get vaccinated.
What will we do?
The vaccine is injected into your upper arm. You may experience some pain from the injection and your arm may feel a bit stiff and sore after the vaccination. You may also experience redness and swelling in the area.
The three vaccinations are administered in accordance with a fixed schedule: the first dose on a chosen date, the second dose one month later and the third dose six months after the first.
Once you have received all three vaccinations, we will perform a blood test to determine if your blood contains enough antibodies (the titer test). This blood test is performed four to six weeks after your third vaccination. The hepatitis B vaccination is most effective if you stick to the prescribed schedule.
Duration of the exam
The vaccination itself will take less than one minute. The preparation (the paperwork) will take circa five minutes.
The results
The results of the blood test (titer test) will be sent to you by mail. If your titer is high enough, it serves as proof that you are adequately protected against hepatitis B for life. It is important to save your test results and make a scan or photo of them.
