Are the COVID-19 vaccines safe for people living with hepatitis B and/or hepatitis C? Expand Australia has strict requirements for the testing and approval of vaccines. Before a COVID-19 vaccine is approved for use in Australia, it must: pass several different phases of clinical trials to prove the vaccine is safe and effective; and pass the Therapeutic Goods Administration’s (TGA) rigorous assessment and approval processes. This includes assessment of the vaccine’s safety, quality and effectiveness.1 People with liver disease were included in the trials of Pfizer and Moderna mRNA vaccines but excluded from the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccines. There was no data to suggest that the vaccines cause harm to people living with hepatitis B or hepatitis C.2 For more information on how COVID-19 vaccines are tested and approved, visit the Australian Government Department of Health website. References (2021, May). About the COVID-19 vaccines. Retrieved from healthdirect: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/covid-19-vaccination/about-the-covid-19-vaccines (2021, April 14). FAQs for clinicians about covid-19 vaccines and people living with Hepatitis B/Hepatitis C-related chronic liver disease. Retrieved from ASHM: https://ashm.org.au/covid-19/clinical-care/faqs-for-clinicians-about-covid-19-vaccines-and-hepatitis/ Updated 14 July 2021
Are there any side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine? Expand For detailed information about the different COVID-19 vaccines, visit the Department of health website. You may have some mild side effects, which are normal signs that your body is building protection against COVID-19. Side effects can include a sore arm where you have been injected, fever and muscle aches. Clinical evidence shows side effects are mild and short-term. The vaccines are currently being monitored to detect any long-term effects. In the short term, we know being vaccinated significantly reduces the risk of hospitalisation and death from COVID-19. Serious reactions such as allergic reactions are extremely rare. They usually occur within 15 minutes of receiving a vaccine. After you receive your vaccine, you should wait this amount of time before you leave to ensure your safety in case a reaction occurs. Some people will experience more significant flu-like symptoms from the vaccine compared to other common vaccinations, and may need time away from normal activities. For the Pfizer vaccine, these symptoms are more common after the second dose. For the AstraZeneca vaccine, these symptoms are more common after the first dose.1 The AstraZeneca vaccine is not recommended for people under 60 years old, due to the risk of thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS). People aged 18 to 59 may choose to receive the AstraZeneca vaccine, however must discuss this with their GP. People under 60 who have had a first dose of AstraZeneca vaccine, are advised to still have the second dose as the potential risks of TTS are far lower than with the first dose. You cannot get COVID-19 from the vaccines. References British Liver Trust. (2021, April 9). Update for people with liver disease on the COVID-19 vaccine. Retrieved from British Liver Trust: https://britishlivertrust.org.uk/update-for-people-with-liver-disease-on-the-covid-19-vaccine/ Updated 14 July 2021
Can having diabetes affect my hepatitis B? Expand You are more likely to get liver cancer if you have both hepatitis B and diabetes. If you have hepatitis B, it's important to prevent or manage your diabetes. It's a good idea to talk to your doctor about looking after your health. A healthy lifestyle is important for both hepatitis B and diabetes. To stay healthy you can: eat healthy food exercise drink less alcohol (no alcohol is best) stop smoking References: Hepatitis B Precautions for People Living with Diabetes., Hepatitis B Foundation. Updated 7 November 2022
Can I catch hepatitis C from mosquitoes? Expand No. There is no evidence to say that you can get hepatitis C from mosquitoes. Read this if you want to know more about why mosquitoes can’t spread hepatitis C. Find out more about how to stop yourself from getting hepatitis C References Why mosquitoes don't spread hepatitis. Charles Daniel, Verywell Health Updated 14 MArch 2023
Can I get hepatitis B from sharing food or eating utensils? Expand No. Hepatitis B doesn't spread through touching or saliva. You can only get hepatitis B from infected blood or some types of body fluids. Most people get hepatitis B at birth or in early childhood. You can also get hepatitis B if you have sex without a condom or have an unsafe medical procedure. Find out more about hepatitis B References Hepatitis B, All Good, ASHM The biggest myths about hepatitis B uncovered, Haggan, M. Updated 7 November 2022
Can I get hepatitis B through hugging or kissing? Expand No. Hepatitis B does not spread through touching or saliva. You can only get hepatitis B from infected blood or some types of body fluids. Most people get hepatitis B at birth or in early childhood. You can also get hepatitis B if you have sex without a condom or have an unsafe medical procedure. Find out more about hepatitis B References Hepatitis B, All Good, ASHM The biggest myths about hepatitis B uncovered, Haggan, M. Updated 6 March 2023
Can I get hepatitis B through sex? Expand Yes. Although most people get hepatitis B at birth, sex is one of the other ways it spreads. Hepatitis B spreads through blood, semen and some other liquids. This means it can spread through vaginal, anal or oral sex without a condom. You can protect yourself against hepatitis B by using a condom. But the best way to protect yourself is by getting a vaccine. Hepatitis B can't spread through normal hugging, kissing or sharing meals, showers or toilets with someone who has hepatitis B. Find out more about hepatitis B and relationships Find out more about hepatitis B vaccines References When Someone Close To You Has Chronic Hepatitis B. Department of Health & Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Updated: 7 November 2022
Can I get hepatitis C from sharing food or eating tools? Expand No. The only way you can get hepatitis C is from your blood touching someone else's blood. Find out more about how to stop yourself from getting hepatitis C References: What is Hepatitis C? All Good, ASHM Updated 14 March 2023
Can I get hepatitis C if I hug or kiss someone who has it? Expand No. The only way you can get hepatitis C is from your blood touching someone else's blood. Find out more about how to stop yourself from getting hepatitis C References: What is Hepatitis C? All Good, ASHM Updated 13 March 2023
Can I get hepatitis C through sex? Expand If you have vaginal or oral sex, you're not likely to get hepatitis C. But you're more likely to get it if you have anal sex without a condom. This is because the anus lining is very thin, so the virus can get into your blood. You may also be more likely to get hepatitis C if you: engage in fisting have sex while you or your partner is on their period have sex and have cuts or sores near your genital area engage in rough sex practices that could lead to bleeding share sex toys that are not clean have sex while using drugs through a needle or snorted share lube pots that could transfer blood. The amount of blood needed to pass hepatitis C on may be very small. You might not even be able to see it. Using a condom while you have anal sex means you’re less likely to get hepatitis C. Find out more about how to stop yourself from getting hepatitis C References Hepatitis C information for MSM. The Hepatitis C Trust What You Need To Know: a guide to hepatitis C (booklet). Hepatitis NSW Updated 13 March 2023
Can you get the COVID-19 vaccine if youâre currently on treatment for hepatitis B or C? Expand Yes. There is no evidence to suggest that COVID-19 vaccines affect hepatitis B or hepatitis C treatment.1 References (2021, March 16). AASLD expert panel consensus statement: vaccines to prevent COVID-19 in patients with liver disease. Available from: https://www.aasld.org/sites/default/files/2021-03/AASLD-COVID19-VaccineDocument-March162021-FINAL.pdf Updated 14 July 2021
Danny Adams - Digital Communications Coordinator Expand Role: Digital Communications Coordinator Location: Canberra / Ngunnawal Country, ACT Availability: Part-time, Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays
Darryl O'Donnell - Interim CEO Expand Role: Interim CEO Location: Canberra / Ngunnawal Country, ACT Availability: Part-time, hours vary
Do I need to tell anyone if I have hepatitis B? Expand Most of the time it is your choice whether or not to tell people if you have hepatitis B. You don't have to tell your doctor, dentist, or people who work in tattoo and piercing parlours. This is because these places have rules in place to stop the spread of viruses. It's a good idea to tell your partner, family and people you live with. This means they can get tested for hepatitis B. If they don't have it they can protect themselves by getting a vaccine. Sometimes you must tell people that you have hepatitis B. You must tell people: before giving blood. You can't give blood if you have chronic hepatitis B. If you no longer have hepatitis B you need to wait at least 12 months after clearing it. Let the blood bank know. when applying for insurance. This could be for life insurance and some other types. This is because your health might change whether or not they decide to insure you. members of the Australian Defence Force, including Navy, Army and Air Forces. If you apply to join the Australian Defence Force you will get tested for hepatitis B. if you are a healthcare worker who carries out exposure-prone procedures (EPPs). These are healthcare workers who could come into contact with sharp instruments or tissues (such as splinters of bone or teeth) inside a person’s body. Most often this applies to surgeons and dentists. Most healthcare workers do not do EPPs. You can get more advice about this on the Department of Health website. when applying for a visa to live in Australia. Everything you say in your application form must be true. Sometimes you may need to have a hepatitis B test if you are applying to live in Australia. If you wish to donate organs or sperm. They will test you for hepatitis B before you can donate organs or sperm. Some people with hepatitis B can still donate but others can't. Find out more about your rights and responsibilities living with hepatitis B References Hepatitis B, All Good, ASHM I had hepatitis - can I donate? Australian Red Cross Blood Service CDNA National Guidelines for healthcare workers on managing bloodborne viruses, Department of Health and Aged Care Updated 7 November 2022
Do I need to tell anyone if I have hepatitis C? Expand Normally, it is your choice whether or not to tell people if you have hepatitis C. This includes doctors, dentists and places where you can get a tattoo or piercing. This is because they have rules in place to stop the spread of viruses. There are some times when you must say if you have hepatitis C now, or have had it in the past. These are: before giving blood. You can't give blood if you’ve ever had hepatitis C. when applying for insurance. This could be life insurance or some other types. This is because your health might change whether or not they decide to insure you. members of the Australian Defence Force, including Navy, Army and Air Force. If you apply to join the Australian Defence Force, they will test you for hepatitis C. if you are a healthcare worker who carries out exposure-prone procedures (EPPs). If you do this, you could come into contact with sharp instruments or tissues (such as splinters of bone or teeth) inside a person’s body. Most often this applies to surgeons and dentists. Most healthcare workers do not carry out EPPs. Find out more by reading the guidelines on the Department of Health website. when applying for a visa to live in Australia. Everything you say in a visa application form must be true. You may have to have a hepatitis C test if you are applying to live in Australia. If you wish to donate organs or sperm. You will get tested for hepatitis C before you can donate organs or sperm. Some people with hepatitis C can still donate but others can't. Find out more about your rights and responsibilities References What is Hepatitis C? All Good, ASHM I had hepatitis - can I donate? Australian Red Cross Blood Service CDNA National Guidelines for healthcare workers on managing bloodborne viruses, Department of Health and Aged Care Updated 14 March 2023
Do I need to tell anyone that I am taking medicine for hepatitis C? Expand You don't have to tell anyone that you are taking medicine for hepatitis C. But it is important to check that any other medicines you take will not mix with the hepatitis C medicine. If a different doctor tells you to you take a medicine, you can choose to tell them that you are taking hepatitis C medicine. Or you can ask the doctor who knows that you have hepatitis C about whether the new medicine is safe for you. Sometimes you might not be able to speak with your own doctor. This could be because you are in hospital. So it's a good idea to tell anyone else who's giving you medicine about what else you're taking. Don’t forget to tell the doctor about any herbal or traditional Chinese medicines. Find out more about your rights and responsibilities References What is Hepatitis C? All Good, ASHM Updated 14 March 2023
Grace Hogan - Communications Manager Expand Role: Communications Manager Location: Canberra / Ngunnawal Country, ACT Availability: Part-time, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday
How are the side effects of the COVID-19 vaccines being monitored? Expand People can report an adverse event following immunisation: directly to the TGA using theâŻNational Adverse Event Following Immunisation (AEFI) reporting form online using theâŻReport a Side Effect of a Medicine form. Consumers wanting to report a vaccine side effect can call a pharmacist from NPS Medicinewise on 1300 134 237. The pharmacist can both lodge the report and provide further advice on how to manage the side effect.⯠Consumers can also report adverse events following immunisation to theirâŻstate or territory health service.12 References Department of Health. (2021, April 9). What happens after I am vaccinated for COVID-19? Retrieved from Australian Government Department of Health: health.gov.au/initiatives-and-programs/covid-19-vaccines/getting-vaccinated-for-covid-19/what-happens-after-i-am-vaccinated-for-covid-19 Updated 14 July 2021
How can I check if Iâm immune to hepatitis B? Expand If you don’t know whether or not you are immune, your doctor can do a blood test to check. Most babies born in Australia after 1 May 2000 had the hepatitis B vaccine at birth. They would have also had a few follow-up doses. Children who were at high school after this date may also have had the vaccine. This may have been through a school catch-up immunisation program. Find out more about vaccination against hepatitis B References Hepatitis B serology, Australian Family Physician Updated 6 March 2023
How can you protect yourself against against COVID-19? Expand The COVID-19 vaccine will be available to all Australians throughout 2021. It is being released in phases to different groups of people based on level of risk. Hepatitis Australia has provided answers to some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about COVID-19 vaccination for people with hepatitis B and hepatitis C. Aside from vaccination, the latest information advises that good hygiene and social distancing are the best ways to protect against COVID-19. You should: wash your hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser cover your cough and sneeze, dispose of tissues and wash your hands immediately after regularly clean and disinfect surfaces you use often, such as benchtops and door handles stay at least 1.5 metres from people you don’t live with as much as possible, and avoid crowded places avoid contact with people who are unwell with cold or flu-like symptoms stay home if you are unwell avoid touching your face avoid handshaking, kissing or hugging with people you don’t live with wear a mask if you are in an area with community transmission, and where physical distancing is not possible, such as on public transport.1 References (2021, July). Physical distancing and how to avoid COVID-19. Retrieved from healthdirect: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/coronavirus-covid-19-how-to-avoid-infection-faqs Updated 21 July 2021
How do vaccines work? Expand Vaccines are a way of producing an immune response in the body without causing illness. Vaccines strengthen a person’s immune system by training it to recognise and fight against specific infections. Vaccines use inactivated (weakened) viruses or parts of the virus (such as a protein) to make our bodies think we have already come into contact with a particular disease. When a person is vaccinated against a disease, their immune system can quickly recognise and clear out bacteria and viruses that can cause serious illnesses from that disease.1 References Department of Health. (2021, April 9). How do COVID-19 vaccines work? Retrieved from Australian Government Department of Health: health.gov.au/initiatives-and-programs/covid-19-vaccines/learn-about-covid-19-vaccines/how-do-covid-19-vaccines-work Updated 14 July 2021
How do you get a COVID-19 vaccine? Expand If the medical clinic you regularly use has not yet made contact, you, can find a vaccination provider and make an appointment via the Vaccine Eligibility Checker online tool. The checker will first ask you some questions to confirm your eligibility. You can then look up clinics near you that offer a COVID-19 vaccine and book your appointment.1 References (2021, May). Getting the COVID-19 vaccination. Retrieved from healthdirect: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/covid-19-vaccination/getting-the-covid-19-vaccination Updated 14 July 2021
How do you get COVID-19? Expand COVID-19 can spread by: direct contact such as by touching each other indirect contact such as by touching contaminated objects or surfaces. When people with the virus sneeze, cough or touch surfaces, they may leave infected droplets on these surfaces close contact through mouth or nose secretions of infected people. These secretions are released from the mouth or nose of an infected person when they cough, sneeze, speak or sing. To avoid contact with these droplets, it is important to: maintain physical distance by staying at least 1.5 metres away from others clean your hands regularly with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitiser cover your mouth with a tissue or bent elbow when sneezing or coughing clean surfaces regularly.1 References (2021, July). About coronaviruses. Retrieved from healthdirectth: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/about-coronaviruses Updated 21 July 2021