Hepatitis A & B Vaccination

Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B are viral infections that affect the liver. While they spread in different ways, both can be prevented through vaccination.
Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B are vaccine-preventable infections that can affect the liver and lead to serious health complications.
At GreenLink Medical Clinic, we provide Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B vaccination for adults in Khatib, Yishun, helping protect against infection whether you are travelling overseas, at increased occupational risk, or simply wish to safeguard your long-term health.
Our doctor will assess your vaccination history and recommend the most appropriate vaccine based on your individual needs.

What is Viral Hepatitis?

Viral hepatitis is an infection that causes inflammation of the liver.

Among the different types of hepatitis viruses, Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B are two of the most common and can be prevented through vaccination.

Although both viruses affect the liver, they are spread in different ways and have different long-term health effects.

• Hepatitis A is usually spread through contaminated food or water and causes an acute illness from which most people recover completely.
• Hepatitis B is spread through blood and body fluids and can lead to chronic liver disease, liver cirrhosis and liver cancer in some individuals.

Vaccination remains one of the most effective ways to protect yourself against both infections.

What’s the Difference Between Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B?

The good news: Both Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B can be effectively prevented through vaccination.

What is Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is a viral infection that affects the liver.

It is usually spread through contaminated food or water or by close contact with an infected person.

Unlike Hepatitis B, Hepatitis A does not cause chronic liver disease, and most people recover completely after the infection.

The risk of Hepatitis A is higher in countries where sanitation and food hygiene standards may be lower.

Vaccination is an effective way to reduce your risk, particularly if you are travelling overseas.

Who Should Consider Hepatitis A Vaccination?

Hepatitis A vaccination may be recommended for:

✅ Travellers visiting countries where Hepatitis A is more common

✅ People who frequently travel for work or leisure

✅ Individuals with chronic liver disease

✅ People at increased risk of exposure based on their occupation or lifestyle

Hepatitis A Vaccination Schedule

Most adults require 2 doses for long-term protection.

Dose 1 → At your first visit

↓

Dose 2 → 6 to 12 months later

Protection begins to develop within a few weeks after the first dose, while the second dose provides long-lasting immunity.

✈️ Planning to travel?

If possible, arrange your Hepatitis A vaccination at least 2–4 weeks before departure to allow your body time to develop protection.

Even if your trip is sooner, vaccination may still provide benefit and is worth discussing with your doctor.

Why Vaccination Matters

Although most people with Hepatitis A recover completely, the infection can occasionally cause serious illness, particularly in older adults and individuals with pre-existing liver disease.

In some cases, Hepatitis A may result in significant liver inflammation requiring hospitalisation. Rarely, severe complications such as acute liver failure can occur.

Vaccination is a safe and effective way to reduce your risk of Hepatitis A infection and its potential complications.

What is Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that affects the liver and is spread through blood and body fluids. It can be transmitted through unprotected sexual contact, sharing contaminated needles, from mother to baby during childbirth, or accidental exposure to infected blood.

While many adults recover completely after an acute infection, some people develop chronic Hepatitis B, where the virus remains in the body for many years. Chronic infection can cause ongoing liver damage and increase the risk of serious complications.

Many people with Hepatitis B feel completely well and may not know they are infected.

Vaccination is a safe and effective way to protect against Hepatitis B infection.

Why Is Hepatitis B Vaccination Important?

Unlike Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B can become a lifelong infection.

Chronic Hepatitis B may lead to progressive liver damage over time, increasing the risk of:

✅ Liver cirrhosis (scarring of the liver)

✅ Liver failure

✅ Liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma)

Many people with chronic Hepatitis B have no symptoms for years and may be unaware they are infected until liver damage has already occurred. Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent Hepatitis B infection and its long-term complications.

Who Should Consider Hepatitis B Vaccination?

Hepatitis B vaccination may be recommended for:

✅ Adults who have never been vaccinated

✅ Healthcare workers and individuals at occupational risk of blood exposure

✅ Household members and sexual partners of people with chronic Hepatitis B

✅ Travellers to countries where Hepatitis B is more common

✅ Individuals who may be at increased risk of exposure based on their lifestyle or medical conditions

If you are unsure whether you have previously received the Hepatitis B vaccine, Dr Hong can advise whether vaccination or a blood test may be appropriate.

Hepatitis B Vaccination Schedule

For most adults who have not previously been vaccinated, the standard schedule consists of 3 doses:

Dose 1 → At your first visit

↓

Dose 2 → 1 month after the first dose

↓

Dose 3 → 6 months after the first dose

Completing all three doses provides long-term protection for most individuals.

Have You Already Been Vaccinated Against Hepatitis B?

Since the late 1980s, Hepatitis B vaccination has been part of Singapore’s childhood immunisation programme. Most people born during this period or later would have received three doses of the Hepatitis B vaccine:

• At birth
• 1 month of age
• 6 months of age

As a result, many adults in Singapore have already been vaccinated during infancy.

Do I Still Need Another Hepatitis B Vaccine?

For many people, Hepatitis B vaccination provides long-lasting protection.
However, antibody levels naturally decline over time, and a low antibody level on a blood test does not always mean that protection has been completely lost.

If you are unsure of your immunity, a Hepatitis Screening blood test can determine whether you still have protective antibody levels.
This test is commonly included as part of a health screening programme or can be performed separately when indicated.

Depending on your blood test results and vaccination history, Dr Gideon Hong may recommend:

✅ No further vaccination if you have adequate immunity

✅ A single booster dose if you were previously vaccinated but your antibody levels have declined

✅ A complete 3-dose vaccination course if you are not immune or have never been adequately vaccinated

• Spread through blood and body fluids
• Acute or chronic infection
• Can lead to chronic infection, end point liver cancer
• Vaccine available

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need Hepatitis A vaccination before travelling?

Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for travellers visiting countries where food and water hygiene standards may differ from Singapore.

Ideally, vaccination should be given at least 2–4 weeks before departure, although receiving the vaccine closer to your travel date may still provide some protection.

I’ve already received the Hepatitis B vaccine as a child. Do I still need another vaccination?

Most people born in Singapore since the late 1980s received Hepatitis B vaccination as part of the National Childhood Immunisation Programme. However, antibody levels may decline over time.

A simple blood test – Hepatitis Screen test can determine whether you still have protective immunity.
Depending on the results, Dr Gideon Hong may advise that no further vaccination is required, recommend a booster dose, or suggest a repeat vaccination course.

Can I check my Hepatitis B immunity during a health screening?

Yes. A Hepatitis screening blood test can be performed to assess your immunity.
This test is commonly requested as part of a health screening or before employment, healthcare work or overseas travel.

Can I receive Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B vaccinations on the same day?

Yes. If protection against both Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B is required, the vaccines can usually be administered during the same visit using separate injections.

Are Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B vaccines safe?

Yes. Both vaccines have been used worldwide for many years and have excellent safety records. The most common side effects are mild and temporary, such as soreness, redness or swelling at the injection site. Some people may also experience mild fever or tiredness for a short period.

How long does protection last after vaccination?

For most healthy individuals who complete the recommended vaccination schedule, protection is long-lasting. In some situations, your doctor may recommend a blood test to assess Hepatitis B immunity, particularly if you work in healthcare or are at increased risk of exposure.

Can Hepatitis vaccines be given together with other vaccines?

Yes. Hepatitis vaccines can generally be administered together with other routine vaccines using different injection sites.

Is there any Subsidy? Can I use MediSave for Hepatitis B vaccination?

In certain situations, Subsidies and MediSave may be used for Hepatitis B vaccination under prevailing Ministry of Health regulations. Eligibility depends on the indication for vaccination and current healthcare financing policies. Dr Gideon Hong can advise whether you qualify during your consultation.

🩺 Explore Our Vaccination Services

Visit our Vaccination Hub to learn more about the vaccines available at GreenLink Medical Clinic, including:

• RSV Vaccine
• Shingles Vaccine
• Pneumococcal Vaccine
• Flu Vaccination
• HPV Vaccination
• Typhoid Vaccine
• Tdap Vaccine