 |
 |
home
what's
my risk?
about
Hep A
about
Hep B
how
it's passed on
symptoms & effects
treatment
vaccination
Hep
B + HIV
FAQs
about
Hep C
Hep
B Recall
find
a clinic
links
contact us
 |
||
|
||
 |
The risk of infection during sex can be lowered by things like using condoms for fucking (also sucking), using latex gloves for fingering and fisting and rimming through a latex barrier such as a condom cut into a square. Injecting equipment (needles, ‘works’, etc.) shouldn’t be shared and piercing, tattooing, and acupuncture should only be done under strict hygiene conditions.
Vaccination is the quickest, easiest and most effective way of avoiding infection. This usually means three injections over six to twelve months. Only after the last injection does someone get complete protection. Five years later a booster injection may be needed. There is a combined vaccine that protects against hepatitis A and B at the same time.
Vaccination isn’t needed if you’ve already had hepatitis B as you’re now immune from getting it again.
Where to get vaccinated
Vaccination is free for people at high risk like gay and bisexual men and is available from sexual health clinics, travel clinics or GP surgeries. A doctor will ask why you want to be vaccinated. If you don’t want to tell your doctor you’re gay or bisexual or have this on your medical notes, you could say you’re travelling to a country where the virus is common (such as South East Asia). For details of local clinics click here.
If someone has had contact with an infected person that puts them at risk, vaccine can be given to protect them from infection. This should be as soon as possible, ideally within 7 days, but possibly up to 14 days. A doctor can give advice on this.
People with HIV are recommended to be vaccinated as the infection can be more severe if you’re HIV positive. Sometimes the vaccine doesn’t work for people with HIV the first time and has to be given again. As the vaccine can make your HIV viral load go up (but only for a short time), it’s best to let your HIV doctor know if you get vaccinated. HIV drugs may need to stopped or used with caution if your liver is inflamed because of hepatitis B. Your HIV doctor will advise you.
Do you have a question about Hepatitis B that is not answered on this website? Try www.britishlivertrust.org.uk or www.hepbsafe.com.
 |