Where can you get vaccinated for hep B?
You can get vaccinated for hep B at your doctor’s clinic or a sexual health centre.
The hep B vaccination is safe and effective. You need 3 injections in 6 months, and a blood test 4 weeks after your last injection to make sure that the vaccine worked. All 3 injections gives you the best chance of developing hepatitis B immunity (protection).
If the vaccine has worked, you are protected from hep B for life. You do not have to worry about getting hep B. This helps with hepatitis B prevention and control.
Who is eligible for free hep B vaccination?
People under 20 years old can get hepatitis B vaccines for free under the National Immunisation Program. This covers them if they did not receive the vaccines in childhood (called catch-up vaccination). The National Immunisation Program also covers refugees and similar migrant people (of any age) arriving in Australia.
The following people (in NSW) can also get the free hepatitis B vaccines:
- Aboriginal people
- Household and sexual contacts of acute and chronic hepatitis B cases
- Immunosuppressed people
- People with HIV or hepatitis C
- Men who have sex with men
- People who inject drugs
- Sex workers
- Clients at sexual health clinics
Eligible people get the vaccine for free, but you may be charged a consultation fee for the visit. You can check this when you make your appointment. Note: free vaccines are not provided for overseas travel.
Here are some other ways to prevent hep B:
- Practise safe sex: Use condoms when having sex.
- Avoid sharing objects that may have traces of blood such as nail scissors, razors, and toothbrushes
- Get piercings, tattoos and cosmetic procedures done by qualified professionals
- Make sure that they always use sterile (pre-packaged and clean) equipment
- Do not share needles or any injecting equipment.
How do you know if you have been vaccinated or have hep B immunity? See our Hepatitis B Testing Chart >>
For further information please visit NSW Health vaccination webpage >>
For more information about prevention and vaccination, call the Hepatitis Infoline or speak to your doctor.
Want to know more about travel vaccinations for hep B prevention? Call the Hepatitis Infoline.
This page last updated 12 Aug 2020
