Vaccination is not compulsory in the UK or Philippines – although there is a good case for pre-entry screening of immigrants for hepatitis B where this is common, just as already exists for TB ; and encouraging universal vaccination from birth in such countries.


In the Philippines HB vaccine should be given at birth ( first dose ) ; around 1 – 2 months old ( second dose ) ; and around 6- 18 months old ( third dose ). A course is only recommended in the UK for neonates at risk ( with HBV positive mothers ).


Also in the Philippines HA vaccine should be given at 12 months ( first dose ) and around 18 – 24 months ( second dose ) ; but is not part of the usual UK vaccination schedule.


The purpose of this thread is to inform, to help members make their own value judgements about the various types of hepatitis.

Vaccination for HA is, however, usually recommended for travellers to the Philippines. It’s allowable ( free ) on the NHS.

Vaccination for HB is not normally recommended for travellers, except for healthcare workers and those likely to share needles for drugs and / or have unprotected sex with multiple partners. There is a charge for this vaccine ( and also the blood test 2 months afterwards to confirm a positive response ).


It might come as a surprise to know that primary liver cancer is relatively common in the Philippines, and rare in the UK – because of the differing frequency of HBV in the two countries. Of course there are other causes, such as Hepatitis C virus, and alcohol. Whatever the cause, most arise in livers which are scarred by cirrhosis. By far the commonest liver cancer is secondary spread ( often from lung, breast, or gut ). As the outlook is not good for most liver cancers, prevention is the best hope. HBV vaccination could prevent many of the primary cancers in this part of the body.