Lisa Alleva: Policy Analyst Expand Role: Policy Analyst Location: Canberra / Ngunnawal Country, ACT Availability: Part-time, Monday to Thursday
Michelle Kudell - Program Manager Expand Role: Program Manager Location: Northern Tasmania / Pallittorre country, Tas Availability: Part-time, Monday to Thursday
Should people living with hepatitis B or hepatitis C get a COVID-19 vaccine? Expand Yes. People living with hepatitis B or hepatitis C appear to be at increased risk for poorer outcomes if they get COVID-19. It is therefore important that people living with hepatitis B and/or hepatitis C get vaccinated against COVID-19.1 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
Tania Rittie: Executive Officer Expand Role: Executive Officer Location: Canberra / Ngunnawal Country, ACT Availability: Full-time
What are the risks of COVID-19 for people living with hepatitis B or hepatitis C? Expand The following groups could be at higher risk of serious illness from COVID-19:1 people with weakened immune systems (e.g. people on immune suppressing medications, people receiving cancer treatments) people aged over 70 years Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are 50 years or older with a chronic medical condition people over 65 years old with chronic medical conditions.2 There is no evidence to suggest people living with hepatitis B or hepatitis C who are well are at greater risk of infection with COVID-19.3,4 However, current information suggests some people living with hepatitis B and hepatitis C who also have other conditions such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease and diabetes will likely have an increased risk of serious illness if they get COVID-19.3,4 People who have developed advanced liver diseases (including cirrhosis) and deteriorating health as a result of hepatitis B or C should be vigilant in protecting themselves from contracting COVID-19 as they are at risk of more serious illness. This includes people who have ongoing health conditions as a result of a previous hepatitis C infection which has been cured. 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 (2021, July). About coronaviruses. Retrieved from healthdirectth: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/about-coronaviruses (2020, April 9). ASHM COVID-19 Taskforce interim recommendations regarding COVID-19 and adults living with chronic hepatitis B. Retrieved from ASHM: https://ashm.org.au/covid-19/clinical-care/hbv/ (2020, April 15). ASHM COVID-19 Taskforce interim recommendations regarding COVID-19 and adults living with hepatitis C, or the complications of previous hepatitis C infection. Retrieved from ASHM: https://ashm.org.au/covid-19/clinical-care/hcv/ Updated 21 July 2021
What are the symptoms of COVID-19? Expand If you have serious symptoms such as difficulty breathing, call 000 for urgent medical help. The virus will affect individuals differently. Most people who come in contact with the virus will experience a mild illness but can still spread the virus to others, which is why isolation from others is important. Symptoms of COVID-19 include: fever (a temperature of 37.5ËC or higher) chills or night sweats cough sore throat tiredness (fatigue) difficulty breathing headache muscle pain (myalgia) loss of sense of smell (anosmia) distortion of sense of taste (dysgeusia) nausea and vomiting joint pain loss of appetite runny nose acute blocked nose (congestion).1 Uncommon symptoms may also occur. These include chest pain, diarrhoea and conjunctivitis. If you have a fever, cough or other symptoms, you should consider being tested for COVID and seek medical advice early. If you think you could have contracted COVID-19, you should call ahead before visiting a doctor. References (2021, July). About coronaviruses. Retrieved from healthdirectth: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/about-coronaviruses Updated 21 July 2021
What can you do to protect yourself if you have hepatitis B or hepatitis C? Expand People living with hepatitis B or C should use the same protective measures recommended for the general population. Be vigilant and follow the recommended measures to protect yourself against COVID-19. Consult a healthcare provider if in doubt about your risk. People with significant liver disease are recommended to receive vaccinations against influenza and pneumococcal disease. These are funded for people aged 65 and over, and the influenza vaccine is funded for all people with chronic liver disease. Cigarette smoking also increases the risk of severe respiratory illness, and quitting smoking may reduce your chances of complications due to COVID-19. Updated 21 July 2021
What COVID-19 vaccines are available in Australia? Expand Four COVID-19 vaccines are available in Australia: the Comirnaty (Pfizer), Spikevax (Moderna), Vaxzevria (AstraZeneca) and Nuvaxovid (Novavax) vaccines. People aged 5 and over can access the Pfizer vaccine. People aged 12 years and over can access the Moderna vaccine. People aged 18 years and over can access the Novavax vaccine. People can access the AstraZeneca vaccine if they are: 60 years old and over 18 to 59 years old and have chosen to have the AstraZeneca vaccine after discussing this with their health professional References (2022, February). Getting the COVID-19 vaccination. Retrieved from healthdirect: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/covid-19-vaccination/about-the-covid-19-vaccines Updated 22 February 2022
What happens if I donât complete the full course of vaccine injections, do I need to start again from the beginning? Expand No, you should continue from your last dose. You can have a blood test four weeks after the last dose of the vaccine to make sure you are immune. Find out more about hepatitis B vaccinations References Hepatitis B Foundation. (n.d.). Vaccination. Retrieved from Hepatitis B Foundation. Updated 2 December 2019
What happens if I donât get treatment for hepatitis B? Expand Without treatment you may be at greater risk of developing serious liver disease or liver cancer. One in four people with chronic hepatitis B will die as a result of the condition. However, because the virus goes through different phases, it is not always damaging your liver. In some people the hepatitis B virus is there but it is not causing any damage - it is sleeping. It can stay sleeping for a long time, but it can also wake up at any time and start causing damage to your liver. This is why not everyone with hepatitis B needs treatment. But, if the virus wakes up and starts damaging your liver, you may need to start treatment. Generally, as people living with hepatitis B age, the likelihood of liver damage and need for antiviral treatment increases. It’s very important to get regular liver check-ups (every six months) to determine if and when you need treatment. Find out more about hepatitis B treatment Find out more about liver checks for hepatitis B References: ASHM. (2014). B Positive: All you wanted to know about hepatitis B. Darlinghurst, NSW: ASHM. Cancer Council Victoria. (n.d.). Hepatitis and liver cancer. Retrieved from Cancer Council Victoria. Updated 11 December 2020
What happens if I experience side effects? Expand Use the COVID-19 vaccine side effects symptom checker if you have concerns about any symptoms after your vaccine. The checker is also available through the National Coronavirus Helpline, 1800 020 080, 24 hours a day. The COVID-19 vaccine side effects symptom checker is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a medical professional for serious symptoms or emergencies. For specific advice about side effects from different doses of vaccines, ask your doctor or health care professional.11 For more information about side effects, visit the Department of health website. References Department of Health. (2021, April 9). Are COVID-19 Vaccines Safe? Retrieved from Australian Government Department of Health health.gov.au/initiatives-and-programs/covid-19-vaccines/learn-about-covid-19-vaccines/are-covid-19-vaccines-safe Updated 14 July 2021
What is COVID-19? Expand COVID-19 is caused by a new strain of coronavirus that was first reported in December 2019. Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that can make humans and animals sick. For the most current and free advice on COVID-19 please visit the national healthdirect website. Updated 21 July 2021
What is the difference between hepatitis B and hepatitis C? Expand Hepatitis B and hepatitis C are different types of virus that damage your liver. They both spread through blood. But people get these two types of viruses in different ways. The treatment for them varies too. Hepatitis B spreads through blood and some 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 unsafe medical procedures. There is a vaccine for hepatitis B, but you can't get rid of it completely. There is treatment that works really well. This lowers the amount of damage to your liver. Hepatitis C spreads through the blood. Most people in Australia get hepatitis C by taking drugs with a needle. But you can also get it by getting a tattoo by someone who is not a proper tattoo artist. You can get it as well through unsafe medical procedures and vaccination programs, or anal sex without a condom. There is no vaccine for hepatitis C. But there are medicines that work well to get rid of it. Both hepatitis B and hepatitis C can lead to cirrhosis (scarring of the liver), liver disease and liver cancer. Find out more about hepatitis B Find out more about hepatitis C References Hepatitis B, All Good, ASHM Hepatitis C, All Good, ASHM Updated 14 March 2023
What should you do if you care for someone who has a chronic health condition or compromised immune system? Expand If you’re caring for a person who has a chronic health condition or compromised immune system, it’s important to take extra care with handwashing and infection precautions. If you are unwell in any way, it is best to avoid contact with the person while you are unwell. Providing practical support to people who at higher risk of COVID-19, such as assisting with shopping, collect prescriptions or other errands can also be helpful. You may be able to help them schedule a COVIDâ19 vaccination. Check that you have a plan in place to seek help if you or the person you are caring for become unwell. This may include checking in with them more regularly, having access to a phone and important phone numbers handy and ensuring medications are accessible. Updated 21 July 2021
Where can I get more information about the COVID-19 vaccines? Expand More information about the COVID-19 vaccines is available from: the Department of Health website the healthdirect website the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS) website Your GP or healthcare provider
Where can I get vaccinated for hepatitis B? Expand You can get the hepatitis B vaccine from your local doctor. Infants will usually get the first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine at the hospital before they are discharged. You may also be able to get hepatitis B vaccines from: your local council or community health clinics Aboriginal medical services school-based immunisation programs travel medical clinics sexual health clinics prison health centres aged care facilities. You should check with these providers whether they are able to provide the hepatitis B vaccine and how much it will cost. Some people, including infants and children, can get the hepatitis B vaccine for free. Remember, the vaccine involves up to three injections over several appointments to ensure immunity against hepatitis B is achieved. Find out more vaccination against hepatitis B References Department of Health. (2018, July 2). Where can I get immunised. Updated 2 December 2019
Will COVID-19 mean any change to treatment and care for hepatitis B or hepatitis C? Expand People living with hepatitis B or C who are currently taking treatment should not change or stop their treatment unless advised to do so by their treating doctor. People should be aware that recent changes restricting prescriptions to a one-month supply of medications means ensuring you plan and avoid missing doses. There is nothing to suggest that the availability of medications used for hepatitis B or C will be reduced due to COVID-19. Monitoring your health will continue to be important and you should keep seeing your doctor as usual. You should check with your healthcare provider to see what arrangements they are putting in place. There may be telehealth options if you are worried about visiting in person. If you have an appointment with your doctor it is good to consider asking your doctor for a liver health check if you have not had one in the last six months. Updated 21 July 2021
Will my acute hepatitis B become chronic? Expand How hepatitis B affects each person is varied and complex. Most of the time young children are much more likely to get chronic hepatitis B. This table shows what is likely to happen. It depends on how old you are when you come into contact with hepatitis B. Age exposed to hepatitis B Acute hepatitis B Chronic hepatitis B Infants (under one year old) Most will not get any acute hepatitis B signs 90% will get chronic (lifelong) hepatitis B Young children (aged one to six years old) Most will not get any acute hepatitis B signs 30% will get chronic (lifelong) hepatitis B Adults or older children (over six years old) Many will get acute hepatitis B signs Less than 5% will get chronic (lifelong) hepatitis B Find out more about hepatitis B vaccination References Hepatitis B. Retrieved from World Health Organization. Updated 6 March 2023