A series of measures have now been put in place so that the NHS and other providers can use the available vaccine for those at “highest immediate risk”.
The measures, which have been designed by PHE, working with NHS England, the Department of Health and the manufacturers, are expected to continue until the beginning of 2018 and kept under review.
PHE said that the risk of catching hepatitis B infection in the UK is very low. While supplies are limited, vaccine will be prioritised for those at highest immediate risk based on their doctor’s assessment. For other people, a doctor may advise that hepatitis B vaccine can be deferred until later.
Vaccination will still be available, as now, for those who have already been exposed to hepatitis B. The recently announced addition of hepatitis B protection to the routine childhood immunisation programme at 2, 3 and 4 months will also go ahead.
More information can be found on the PHE website.
Further information on hepatitis B is available, here.
Further information on how to reduce your risk of catching hepatitis B is available, here.
Further advice to travellers is available, here.
