Should I get vaccinated?
Hepatitis A and B are viral infections that affect people of all ages. The viruses can be transferred by contaminated food or drink (hep A), or by contact with bodily fluids (hep B). Both are preventable with vaccines.
Hepatitis immunisation is recommended to people who are at risk of coming into contact with body fluids, or who are travelling to countries with a risk of disease.
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How do I get vaccinated?
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You can get vaccinated for either hepatitis A or B, or both. Our staff can advise you on the best option for you. Hep B vaccination is offered free to all children, and hep A is free for the Aboriginal community under the National Immunisation Program.
We can also help you with other travel vaccinations and health advice.
Hepatitis A symptoms & facts
Hepatitis A symptoms can last for a few months, and most people fully recover. You can get hep A through consuming food or water contaminated with faeces (poo). Sometimes it is spread by close personal contact, such as sex.
Hepatovirus A causes liver inflammation and results in symptoms such as:
- fever
- nausea
- abdominal pain
- jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
- dark urine.
Someone might not experience symptoms until 2–4 weeks after being infected and some people, especially young children, don’t show any symptoms. Someone can be contagious even when they don’t have symptoms.
Countries with less stringent hygiene, sanitation and water treatment have a higher risk of disease. It’s not common to get hepatitis A while in Australia, but it is possible.
There is no specific treatment, so getting a hepatitis A vaccination is your best protection.
Hepatitis B symptoms & facts
Hepatitis B symptoms can last for a very long time, and can lead to permanent liver damage, cirrhosis, and even cancer. You can get hep B through contaminated blood and bodily fluids. This includes sexual contact (including oral sex), sharing needles, providing first aid without gloves, or sometimes from contaminated acupuncture, tattoo and body piercing equipment. The Hepatitis B virus can also transfer to a baby during or shortly after birth.
The vaccine is important for health care workers, security guards, and anyone else who might come into contact with blood or bodily fluids.
The virus causes liver inflammation and results in symptoms such as:
- fever
- nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite
- abdominal pain
- muscle aches
- jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
- dark urine.
Someone might not experience symptoms until a few months after being infected and some people don’t show any symptoms. Someone can be contagious even when they don’t have symptoms.
It’s estimated that about 1% of Australians have hepatitis B, so you can get it without going overseas. When travelling, you’re most at risk in countries in south-east Asia, the Pacific Islands, and parts of Africa. These places have high rates of disease. Countries in Central and South America, Eastern Europe and some parts of the Mediterranean also have high rates.
There is no cure for chronic hepatitis B, so getting vaccinated is your best protection.
Preventing disease
Getting vaccinated is your best protection. It’s important get the hepatitis vaccine for South America and Africa, as well as a regular vaccine for Bali holidays and many other parts of the world. There are also other ways to look after yourself.
Always practice good personal hygiene with regular hand washing or sanitising. In places where the tap water is not safe to drink, stick to hot food and drinks or water that has been boiled, bottled drinks, or take your own water purifying tablets, filter or UV water purification device.
Always practice safe sex and avoid sharing needles, razors or anything that might be contaminated with blood or other bodily fluids.
Regular STI screening is also a great idea to protect yourself and your partners.
