Hepatitis B Vaccine

Hepatitis B is a viral disease that can cause liver disease¹. It can affect people of all ages, and treatment of this disease mainly focuses on managing your symptoms.

Most adults who catch Hepatitis B recover completely and do not require ongoing treatment.

However, depending on whether or not you’ve had symptoms for more than six months, you can be diagnosed with chronic Hepatitis B and suffer from this condition for the rest of your life.

¹Better Health Victoria, Hepatitis B, accessed 2 February 2023

Many infected people show few or no symptoms. However, people who do have symptoms can experience¹:

• Yellow skin and eyes (known as jaundice)

• Dark urine

• Nausea and vomiting

• Rashes

• Loss of appetite

• Abdominal pain

• Muscle and joint pain

Symptoms can usually start two to three months after infection and can last from six weeks to six months.

¹HealthDirect, Hepatitis B, accessed 2 February 2023

You can be diagnosed with Hepatitis B after you get a blood test from your doctor¹.

However, as many people show no symptoms if they are suffering from Hepatitis B, they may never be diagnosed.

If you think you’ve been exposed to infected blood or bodily fluids, see a doctor as soon as possible as there are treatments available to reduce your risk of developing infection.

¹HealthDirect, Hepatitis B, accessed 2 February 2023

There is no specific treatment for an acute Hepatitis B infection, as treatment aims to maintain your good health but not cure the illness1.

You should rest, eat a healthy balanced diet and avoid alcohol while recovering from hepatitis B.

People who have chronic Hepatitis B do not need treatment if there are no signs of liver damage. However, regular doctor's appointments are needed to monitor whether liver damage may be occurring.

If you have chronic hepatitis B, you may need to take medicine for the rest of your life, especially if there is liver damage.

¹HealthDirect, Hepatitis B, accessed 2 February 2023

Getting vaccinated against Hepatitis B is the most important action you can take to avoid getting it¹.

You can also prevent Hepatitis B infection by¹:

• Covering any open wounds or cuts with a waterproof dressing

• Not sharing personal items like toothbrushes and razors

• Using gloves when helping with first aid

• Only going to piercing and tattoo studios that are registered and use proper sterilisation techniques

• Using condoms during sex as Hepatitis B can be spread through sexual fluids

¹Australian Department of Health and Aged Care, Hepatitis B, accessed 2 February 2023

The Hepatitis B vaccine is administered by injection and is your best protection against Hepatitis B. Three to four doses are recommended for full immunisation, depending on the type of vaccine you receive.

The vaccine is safe and effective against protecting you from getting a Hepatitis B infection¹.

¹HealthDirect, Hepatitis B, accessed 2 February 2023

Some common side effects of the vaccine include¹:

• Pain, redness and swelling at the injection side

• Headaches

• Mild fever

¹Australian Department of Health and Aged Care, Hepatitis B, accessed 2 February 2023

The Australian Immunisation Handbook recommends Hepatitis B vaccine for a range of people, including¹:

• Infants

• People who are immunocompromised, including people with HIV, people who are getting an organ transplant or are on dialysis

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

• People with medical risk factors, including people who have chronic liver disease, people who have developmental disabilities and people with low birthweight infants

• People whose occupation increases their risk of getting Hepatitis B, such as healthcare workers, funeral workers and embalmers, tattooists and body piercers

• Travellers to hepatitis B–endemic areas who may be at increased risk

• People whose circumstances increase their risk of acquiring Hepatitis B

At Blooms The Chemist, this vaccine is only available in NSW, NT, QLD, SA, VIC, TAS and WA, with Pharmacists being able to administer this vaccine to patients aged five years and older.

If you want to get vaccinated against Hepatitis B and live in another state or territory, please reach out to your local GP for more information.

¹Australian Department of Health and Aged Care, Hepatitis B vaccine, accessed 2 February 2023

The Hepatitis B vaccine is free for babies under the National Immunisation Program. It is also free for people under 20 years old, refugees and other humanitarian entrants of any age.

You can check here to see if you are eligible to receive a NIP funded vaccine.

If you are eligible for a vaccination under the National Immunisation Program (NIP), you may need to confirm with your selected Blooms The Chemist pharmacy about their NIP vaccine stock availability. Please note that there may be a service fee associated with a NIP vaccination.