Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B vaccination

Hepatitis B is a viral infection of the liver and can have long term health implications. The best protection against Hepatitis B is vaccination. Anyone who is not immune to Hepatitis B can be infected with the virus.

The Hepatitis B vaccine is funded for:

  • Refugees,
  • humanitarian entrants,
  • people who inject drugs,
  • household and sexual contacts of a hepatitis B positive person.

This free vaccine can be accessed through your family doctor or other immunisation provider (a consultation fee may apply).

Hepatitis B vaccine is also recommended for:

  • people who have multiple sexual partners
  • people with certain chronic medical conditions and impaired immunity
  • people with chronic liver disease or Hepatitis C
  • people that have an occupational risk, including healthcare workers, embalmers, tattooists and body-piercers, acupuncturists and sex workers
  • a resident or staff member of a facility for people with intellectual disabilities
  • an inmate or staff member of a long-term correction facility
  • people travelling to regions where Hepatitis B is common
  • migrants from a country where Hepatitis B is common
  • Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people
    Please Note: the vaccine may not be funded.
Page last updated on: 18 Mar 2021