Hepatitis B vaccination

Geplaatst op: 12-04-2018 om 11:02 uur
Laatst gewijzigd op: 26-10-2023 om 16:46 uur

Hepatitis B vaccination

Hepatitis B is an inflammation of the liver caused by infection with the hepatitis B virus. Hepatitis B is transmitted through direct contact with infected blood or certain body fluids. It can also be transmitted from mother to child during birth. Vaccination protects against hepatitis B.

Why vaccinate?

Hepatitis B is very contagious. Even if you have no symptoms, you can transfer the disease to others. If you do have symptoms, you can suffer from it for months. The virus can also turn into a chronic infection. By being vaccinated you can prevent hepatitis B.

Who can be vaccinated at the GGD?

People who have a greater risk of hepatitis B can be vaccinated at the GGD, these are:

Men who have sex with men
Sex workers

Make an appointment

Contact the Center for Sexual Health at GGD Kennemerland via 023-7891610 (between 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM).
Go to the Man tot Man website and choose your location.

You can also combine your appointment with an STI test.

Hepatitis A and B

Men who have sex with men are also at risk for hepatitis A. Hepatitis A is very contagious. The virus is found in fecal particles of someone who has hepatitis A. You can get the disease if the virus gets into your mouth. This can be done during sex, for example with ass licking.

Almost everyone recovers from hepatitis A, but it can make you very ill for a number of months.

Vaccine against hepatitis A and B

There is a vaccine that protects against hepatitis A and B (Twinrix®). This combination vaccine is also a series of 3 injections. You do pay a personal contribution of € 22 per injection. The cost for the complete vaccination with Twinrix is therefore € 66.

More information

For general information about hepatitis B, please visit the Man tot man website. You can also find information about hepatitis A there.

I need a hepatitis B vaccination for work or travel

If you need a hepatitis B vaccination for your work in healthcare or for travel, make an appointment via the GGD Travel Vaccinations website.

How does vaccination against hepatitis B work?

The vaccination against hepatitis B consists of three injections. After the 3rd injection you are protected for life.

1st appointment: injection 1 + blood test
2nd appointment: injection 2 (1 month after the 1st injection)
3rd appointment: injection 3 (at least 5 months after the 2nd injection)

Blood test

We will take blood from you at your first appointment. In the blood we can see whether you have (had) hepatitis B. You will receive the results of the blood test online.

No hepatitis B? You can continue with your 2nd and 3rd injection.
Did you already have hepatitis B? Then you are already protected. You no longer have to get injections.

In the blood we can also see whether you have a chronic hepatitis B infection. With a chronic infection you remain contagious to others. You can also develop serious liver abnormalities in the long term.

Does vaccination cause side effects?

The vaccine is safe and good. It has few side effects. The vaccine does not cause any serious complaints or illnesses. Sometimes there is some pain, redness and a stiff feeling at the site of the injection. These side effects are normal. If you develop serious complaints after vaccination, contact your GP. And let us know when you come for the next vaccination.