Free hepatitis A vaccine is currently available for Tasmanians who are at increased risk of getting the disease in Australia.
What is hepatitis A?
Hepatitis means inflammation or swelling of the liver. Hepatitis A is an infection caused by the hepatitis A virus.
How is hepatitis A spread?
Hepatitis A virus is in the faeces of an infected person and is spread when the virus from an infected person is swallowed by another person through:
- eating contaminated food
- drinking contaminated water
- handling contaminated objects (eg soiled nappies from an infected person)
- direct contact (including sexual) with an infected person.
Immunisation provides very effective protection against hepatitis A infection.
Who is eligible for the free vaccine?
The program will continue until the end of April 2020. Tasmanians eligible for free vaccine include:
- all men aged 16 to 69 years who have sex with men
- any person who has injected drugs within the past 12 months
- people who experience homelessness
- inmates of correctional services.
Where is hepatitis A vaccine available?
Vaccine is available from general practitioners and sexual health clinics. The vaccine is free, but a consultation fee may be charged.
How many doses of hepatitis A vaccine are needed?
Two doses of vaccine given at least six months apart provide long-term protection against hepatitis A disease.
If you have had one dose of hepatitis A vaccine in the past there is no need to start the course again. You only require one more dose for long-term protection.
What else should I ask about?
At the same time, check if you are need, and are eligible for, free hepatitis B vaccine.
Where can I find more information about hepatitis A?
DoH Hepatitis A Disease fact sheet
tasCAHRD (Tasmanian Council on AIDS, Hepatitis & Related Diseases)
Call the Public Health Hotline – Tasmania on 1800 671 738 to speak to a Clinical Nurse Consultant.