Hepatitis B
State and Territory information:
There are several different hepatitis viruses that can cause liver infections and damage. Hepatitis B is one of these.
Hepatitis B, which can be found in the body fluids of infected people, spreads through:
- sexual contact;
- sharing drug injecting equipment, toothbrushes or razors;
- from mother to babies during childbirth; and
- unclean facilities used for tattooing and body piercing.
Symptoms can show between 1 to 12 weeks after infection and they include:
- weakness;
- tiredness;
- poor appetite;
- nausea and/or vomiting;
- abdominal discomfort/pain;
- muscle and joint pain;
- skin rashes;
- jaundice (yellow colouring of eyes, skin and urine); and
- dark urine and light faeces.
Hepatitis B is a vaccine preventable disease.
Vaccination recommended for routine childhood immunisation is listed on the National Immunisation Program (NIP) Schedule and funded for children under the Immunise Australia Program.
People in high risk occupations should consider vaccination against hepatitis B. Contact your healthcare provider, doctor and/or State or Territory Health Department for more details.
For technical information refer to the Australian Immunisation Handbook 9th Edition 2008 (NHMRC).
Page last modified: 22 March, 2006