There are a lot of myths, misunderstandings and misperceptions about Hepatitis B. So we’re here to make things clear, with simple facts that help reduce fear, stigma and misinformation.
YOU CAN
prevent
Hep B
hepatitis B is preventable with a safe and effective vaccine. It provides long-term protection and is part of Australia’s routine immunisation program.
Get vaccinated and then have a blood test 4-8 weeks after your last injection to make sure the vaccine worked
Vaccination provides long-term protection and most people will not need a booster
All newborn babies in Australia are offered a free course of four hepatitis B vaccinations. These injections stop children from getting hepatitis B
If you have hepatitis B it is important that your brothers, sisters, parents, partner and children are tested to see if they have hepatitis B
YOU CAN GET TESTED
FOR HEP B
You can ask your doctor or nurse for a hepatitis B test. It’s a simple blood test and free if you have a Medicare card
Most people get hepatitis B as a baby or young child and they have the virus for life. This is called ‘chronic’ hepatitis B. Some people don't know they have hepatitis B so it is important for you and your family to be tested for hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is not a routine test, or part of annual check-ups. You need to ask your doctor or nurse a hepatitis B test
You can be tested for hepatitis B by your local doctor, nurse or at your local sexual health clinic
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT VACCINATION AND TESTING
You can live well
with hep b
by exercising, eating healthy food and limiting alcohol. You are not alone – over 200,000 people in Australia have hepatitis B - reach out to the different support groups who can help you
Hepatitis B
can be a chronic (lifelong) illness
Where your health can be managed by doctors just like for people living with other chronic illnesses such as diabetes.
Most people with hepatitis B have very few symptoms but check-ups are important
It is easy to ignore or forget you have hepatitis B. It is very important that you see your doctor every 6 to 12 months so that they can check your liver health.
Some people with hepatitis B need to take medicine (tablets)
These medicines (tablets) help protect your liver, and you can talk to your doctor about your options with this.
NOT READY TO TALK YET ? VIEW SOME RECOMMENDED RESOURCES
There is plenty of online information. Check out the national and state-based hepatitis organisation websites. Most organisations have translated information,
Hepatitis NSW https://www.hep.org.au/hep-b/what-is-hep-b/
Hepatitis SA https://hepatitissa.asn.au/
Hepatitis QL https://www.hepqld.asn.au/
Hepatitis WA https://www.hepatitiswa.com.au/
Liverwell https://liverwell.org.au/simplified-chinese-your-liver-your-health-translated/
Hepatitis ACT https://hepatitisact.org.au/hepatitis-b/
Hepatitis Australia https://www.hepatitisaustralia.com/non_english_resources#Chinese
NSW MHHS NSW Multicultural HIV and Hepatitis Service-https://mhahs.org.au/hepatitis-b/what-is-hepatitis-b/Yes, there are online forums where you can ask questions and get support. HepBCommunity.org is a global online forum dedicated to supporting those living with and affected by hepatitis
HepLink Australia is a national hepatitis service and provides free, confidential support by phone and in person. If you need an interpreter, please call TIS National on 131 450 and ask them to call HepLink Australia on 1800 437 222. Our business hours are 9am-5pm Monday to Friday - https://www.heplink.au/your_language
If you want more information about liver cancer, Cancer Council Helpline Interpreters available Phone: 13 11 20
This brochure is for people starting treatment and can be used to explain check-ups and test results. This can help you better understand how hepatitis B can be affecting you, and help you talk more with your doctor or nurse about your options.
These resources have been developed to give you more information about living with hepatitis and planning for family
Me, My Baby and Hepatitis B (English)
Me, my baby and hepatitis B (Simplified Chinese)
Me, my baby and hepatitis B (Vietnamese)
Personal story
Hepatitis B was no barrier to having a baby - Read more
In Australia, there is no general legal requirement for a person with hepatitis B to disclose their status. There are several circumstances where declaration is mandatory, including joining the Australian Defence Force, donating organs or blood.
People applying for some Australian visas are required to declare their status or tested for hepatitis B
RESOURCE
Hepatitis B visa and migration FAQ. Who do you have to tell - Get info
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About the campaign
The You Can’t Get Hep B Here Campaign was developed with Chinese and Vietnamese people in Australia. We are working towards eliminating hepatitis B as a public health threat in Australia. The Burnet Institute and Hepatitis B Voices Australia would like to acknowledge our partners and collaborators who supported the campaign. The campaign was supported by the Australian Centre for Disease Control.