Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a vaccine-preventable viral disease of the liver.

Despite having safe and effective vaccines for many years, hepatitis B was responsible for more than 800,000 deaths globally in 2019. According to the WHO (World Health Organization), more than 296 million people live with the disease.

Two hepatitis B vaccines were made available in Australia in 1987/88 and various state-funded programs commenced at this time.  The big step forward came in 1996 when a 3-dose course was recommended and funded for all adolescents, aged 11-12 years.  Vaccination was also scheduled into the first year of life.  Adolescent programs were changed to a 2-dose course in various states in 2001.   The Hepatitis B catch-up program for adolescents ceased in late 2013.  This meant a whole generation of children had been protected against hepatitis B. Quite an achievement.   If you have a birth date in 1984/5 and your parents accepted Hepatitis B vaccination, then you are likely to be vaccinated. Various high-risk groups have also been offered hepatitis B vaccine under programs funded by the government.

Hepatitis B is transmitted through contact with blood, blood products or bodily fluids. Tattooing, injecting drugs and unprotected casual sex are high-risk activities. Exposure may also occur through poor infection control during dental or medical procedures.  An accident or a medical event in a low-income country may increase the risk of exposure.

Hepatitis B prevalence has been investigated globally.   It is graded as low (< 2%), low moderate (2-4%), high moderate (5-7%) and high > 8%.