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 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
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 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 effective are the vaccines for people living with hepatitis B and/or hepatitis C? Expand In clinical trials COVID-19 vaccines have been shown to provide excellent protection from getting sick with COVID-19.1 You can review the information about the effectiveness of different approved vaccines on the Department of Health website. There is no data to suggest COVID-19 vaccines cause harm for people with chronic liver disease. Vaccines are, in general, less effective in patients with chronic liver disease and those post-liver transplant but there is no data specifically for the COVID-19 vaccines.2 References Department of Health. (2021, July 6). COVID-19 vaccination – ATAGI clinical guidance on COVID-19 vaccine in Australia in 2021. Retrieved from Australian Government Department of Health: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/covid-19-vaccination-atagi-clinical-guidance-on-covid-19-vaccine-in-australia-in-2021 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
Is there a particular vaccine recommended for people living with hepatitis B and/or hepatitis C? Expand No, there is no specific vaccine which is better for people living with hepatitis B or hepatitis C. People under the age of 60 are not recommended to get the Astrazeneca vaccine.1 References (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
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
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 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
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