Vaccine (Hepatitis B vaccine)
Last reviewed June 2026
Who is this for?
This is a vaccine (injection) that helps your body build protection against the Hepatitis B virus — a serious infection that damages the liver. It contains a tiny, harmless piece of the virus surface (antigen) combined with aluminium hydroxide, which helps your immune system respond more strongly.
Activates humoral and cellular immune responses by presenting Hepatitis B surface antigen to B and T lymphocytes, stimulating the production of anti-HBs antibodies and memory cells that provide long-term protection against Hepatitis B virus infection; aluminium hydroxide serves as an adjuvant to enhance immunogenicity and promote Th1/Th2 immune polarization.
Prescription Required
You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.
Explore this drug
This is given as an injection into the muscle of your upper arm (or thigh for babies) by a healthcare worker. Adults usually receive 3 doses: the first dose, then a second dose 1 month later, and a third dose 6 months after the first. In Nigeria, it is available as Revac-B 1 mL Single Dose. You cannot take this at home — always go to a hospital, clinic, or approved vaccination centre.
If you miss a scheduled dose, go back to the clinic as soon as you can. You do not need to restart the whole series — just continue from where you stopped. However, completing all 3 doses is very important for full protection.
Make sure you complete all 3 doses — one dose alone will not fully protect you against Hepatitis B. Only receive this vaccine at a registered hospital, clinic, or government vaccination centre — never from unverified sources. After vaccination, wait at the clinic for at least 15-30 minutes so healthcare workers can watch for any serious reaction.
If you are taking drugs that weaken your immune system (such as steroids or cancer drugs), the vaccine may not work as well — inform your doctor. Blood thinners like warfarin may increase bleeding at the injection site, so tell your healthcare worker if you are on any.
Check your specific combination
Is it safe to take Hepatitis with your other drugs?
The Hepatitis B vaccine is generally considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding, but always inform your doctor or nurse that you are pregnant or breastfeeding before receiving it.
This vaccine must be stored in a refrigerator between 2°C and 8°C. Do not freeze it — freezing destroys the vaccine. Do not leave it in the sun or in a hot car. This is why you should only get it at a proper health facility that stores vaccines correctly. Keep out of reach of children.
For information only — not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.
Names this drug is sold under — especially in Nigerian and West African pharmacies
No brand names recorded for Hepatitis B Surface Antigen; Aluminium hydroxide yet.
Counterfeit Drug Warning
Fake drugs are a serious problem in Nigeria. Always buy from a registered pharmacy. If the packaging looks different from what is described above, do not use it.