Medical Oncologist
CION Cancer Clinics
The hepatitis B vaccine in India: schedule, cost and boosters | CION Cancer Clinics
Babies in India get the hepatitis B vaccine free, starting at birth. Adults who missed it, or who are at higher risk, usually have three injections over about six months, and most never need a booster. This page explains the schedule, who should ask for it, what changes the cost, and why this vaccine is also a way of preventing liver cancer. At CION Cancer Clinics, our specialists help you understand your own risk and plan regular liver checks that fit it.
NG
Medically reviewed by Dr. Naresh GunduConsultant Medical Oncologist · MBBS, DNB (Internal Medicine), DM (Medical Oncology, AIIMS) · last reviewed October 2026, next review due October 2027
17+specialists on panel
15,000+patients treated
35+centres across Telangana & AP
4.8★ / 800+Google rating
On this page
- How is the hepatitis B vaccine given in India, and do adults need it?
- What is the hepatitis B vaccine schedule for babies and adults?
- Which adults should get the hepatitis B vaccine?
- How do I get vaccinated as an adult?
- How much does the hepatitis B vaccine cost in India?
- What this page cannot tell you
- Common questions about the hepatitis B vaccine
The short answer
How is the hepatitis B vaccine given in India, and do adults need it?
In India, babies get the hepatitis B vaccine free through the national immunisation programme, starting at birth. Adults who missed it, or who are at higher risk, usually have three injections spread over about six months, and most healthy people never need a booster after that.
Why this vaccine matters for cancer
Long-term hepatitis B infection is one of the leading causes of liver cancer in India. Someone protected by the vaccine cannot become a carrier. That makes this one of the very few vaccines that prevents a cancer. Our page on vaccination as cancer prevention explains the link.
What this page covers
It covers the schedule for babies and for adults, who should ask for it, what affects the cost, and when a booster or a blood test is worth having. It is about preventing hepatitis B. If you or a relative already have a liver tumour, this is not the right starting point. Speak to your oncologist about the plan for that.
The vaccine is safe for almost everyone. It contains no live virus, so it cannot give you hepatitis B.Side by side
What is the hepatitis B vaccine schedule for babies and adults?
Babies, national programme
Adults and older children
A birth dose, ideally on the first day of life
A first injection on the day you start
Further doses at six, ten and fourteen weeks, inside a combined vaccine
A second injection about one month later
Given free at government health centres
A third injection about six months after the first
Recorded on the child's vaccination card
Faster courses exist when protection is needed quickly
Not sure whether this applies to you?
Ask an oncologistWho should ask
Which adults should get the hepatitis B vaccine?
Any adult who is not already protected can have it. These groups gain the most and should ask first.
Family of a carrier
A husband or wife, children and anyone living in the home with a hepatitis B carrier. Our page on vaccinating the household explains the order to do it in.
People with liver or kidney disease
Cirrhosis, fatty liver disease, hepatitis C and kidney disease needing dialysis all make a new hepatitis B infection more dangerous. See vaccinations with cirrhosis.
Health and care workers
Doctors, nurses, laboratory staff, dental teams and anyone who handles blood or needles at work.
Others at higher exposure
These are risk factors, not judgements, and a doctor will not ask you to explain them.
- People who need frequent blood transfusions
- People with more than one sexual partner
- People who inject drugs
- Anyone with a weakened immune system
Step by step
How do I get vaccinated as an adult?
A blood test first, if you are at risk
If someone at home is a carrier, test before the first injection. You may already be a carrier, or already immune. Our guide to reading a hepatitis B report explains the results.
The first injection
It goes into the upper arm. A family doctor, a hospital vaccination clinic or a government centre can give it. Ask for a written record with the date and the vaccine name.
Keeping to the schedule
Set reminders for the second and third injections. If one is missed, you usually carry on from where you stopped. You do not start again.
A check afterwards, for some people
Partners of carriers, health workers and people on dialysis are often advised an antibody test after the course. See checking whether the vaccine worked.
Leave a number, we will call you
One field. No form to fill in, and no charge for the call.
Cost and access
How much does the hepatitis B vaccine cost in India?
For babies and young children, the vaccine is free at government health centres and anganwadi immunisation sessions under the national programme. For adults, the price depends on where you go and which brand is used, and it is charged per injection.
What changes the bill
Private clinics and hospitals set their own prices. Some add a consultation or an injection fee on top of the vaccine itself. The antibody test before or after the course is charged separately. Ask for the full price of all three injections and any tests before you start, so the course is not left unfinished.
Schemes and workplace programmes
Some employers, especially hospitals, vaccinate their staff. Coverage under government health schemes and private insurance for adult vaccines varies, and the rules change. Check with the scheme office or your insurer at the time, in writing.
CION does not sell vaccines. Our team can tell you whether you need one, and where to ask.
Did you know
The World Health Organization describes the hepatitis B vaccine as a way to prevent liver cancer. For most healthy people who respond to a full course, protection is thought to last for life.
Being straight with you
What this page cannot tell you
It cannot tell you whether you are already protected, infected or unprotected. Only a blood test answers that. It also cannot choose a schedule for you if you are pregnant, on dialysis, having cancer treatment or living with a weakened immune system. These groups sometimes need a different course or extra checks, which your doctor will plan.
Who the vaccine does not suit
The vaccine does nothing for someone who already carries hepatitis B. It does not treat the infection, and it does not lower that person's cancer risk. Hepatitis B is controlled with antiviral medicine where needed, and that decision belongs to a hepatologist or physician. Read a carrier's cancer risk if this is you. Anyone who had a serious allergic reaction to an earlier dose should not have another without specialist advice.
Who to ask
A family doctor or physician can answer most questions. If you have hepatitis B and a liver tumour, CION's oncologists can review your reports and coordinate hepatology care through partner specialists.
Questions we are asked
Common questions about the hepatitis B vaccine
Do adults need a hepatitis B booster?
Most healthy adults and children who complete a full course do not need a booster. The body keeps a memory of the virus even when antibody levels fall. People on dialysis or with a weakened immune system may be tested over time and given a booster if protection drops.
I had the vaccine as a child. Am I still protected?
Most likely, if you completed the course. If you are not sure, or someone at home is a carrier, a blood test for antibodies settles the question. Only your doctor can say whether a booster or a repeat course is worth having in your situation.
What if I missed the second or third injection?
You do not usually need to start again. Have the missed injection as soon as you can and carry on with the rest of the course. Tell the person giving it when your earlier injections were, and bring your written record if you have one.
What if the vaccine did not work for me?
A small group of people do not make enough antibodies after one course. They are usually offered a second full course and tested again. Some still do not respond. They are advised how to avoid exposure and what to do quickly if they are exposed.
Is the vaccine safe in pregnancy?
It is generally considered safe and can be given when a pregnant woman is at risk, such as when her husband is a carrier. Every pregnant woman should also be tested for hepatitis B, so the baby can be protected at birth if needed.
What side effects should I expect?
Most people have a sore arm for a short while, and some feel tired or slightly feverish. Serious allergic reactions are rare. Tell the person giving the vaccine about any allergies, including to yeast, before the injection.
Can I get the vaccine if I already have hepatitis B?
It will not help you. The vaccine prevents infection; it does not treat it. If your report shows you are a carrier, you need a hepatologist or physician to decide about antiviral medicine and regular liver checks instead. Your family should be tested and vaccinated.
Who can I ask if I am still unsure?
Your family doctor is a good first step. You can also call the CION helpline with your reports. Someone will explain what they show and point you to the right place for testing, vaccination or liver care.
Your Specialists
Meet CION's liver cancer specialists. Bring your scan reports and liver blood tests.
Our medical and surgical oncologists plan liver cancer care together, weighing the tumour and how well your liver works before choosing surgery, a liver-directed procedure or medicines.
Medical Oncologist
Dr. C. Raghavendra Reddy
MBBS(Gold Medal), DNB(General Medicine), DM(Medical Oncology)(Gold Medal)
Medical Oncologist
Dr. Bharati Devi Gorantla
MBBS, MD(General Medicine), DM(Medical Oncology)(Adyar,Chennai), ECMO, MRCP SCE(UK)
Medical Oncologist
Dr. Owais Mohammed
MBBS, MD (General Medicine), DrNB (Medical Oncology), ECMO, MRCP SCE (Medical Oncology) (UK)
Medical Oncologist
Medical Oncologist
Surgical Oncologist
Dr. Muralidhar Muddusetty
MBBS (AIIMS), MS (Surgery) (AIIMS), DNB (Surgical Oncology), MRCS (Edinburgh)
Surgical Oncologist
Want a specific doctor for your case? Mention them when booking.
Book Free ConsultationBook an appointment with our specialist
Share your name and number — we'll call you back within 30 minutes to schedule your consultation.
Sources
- World Health Organization — Hepatitis B
- NHS — Hepatitis B
- NIDDK — Hepatitis B - NIDDK
- MedlinePlus — Hepatitis B
This page is general information, not a prescription. Do not change or stop any treatment based on what you read here. If anything is worrying you, contact your own treating team — or call our helpline and we will help you reach the right specialist.
Keep reading
Related pages
Do I need a booster? Checking whether the vaccine workedThe antibody test after the courseVaccinating the household of a hepatitis B carrierWho at home to test and protect firstHepatitis B vaccination is cancer preventionHow the vaccine lowers liver cancer riskMother-to-child transmission and the birth-dose vaccineProtecting a baby born to a carrier
Talk to us
Not sure whether you need the vaccine or a test first?
Tell us about your reports and who at home has hepatitis B, and we will explain the next sensible step. One helpline serves every CION centre.