Hepatitis B

Eligible under the NIP in-pharmacy:

• Infants at 2,4, and 6 months of age, usually as part of a combination childhood vaccine (only South Australian and Queensland Pharmacists are eligible to vaccinate).
• Catch up vaccination* for people (including refugees and humanitarian entrants) less than 20 years of age who have missed childhood vaccine.
• Catch up vaccination* for adult refugees and humanitarian entrants 20 years or over who have missed their childhood vaccines.

Eligible Privately:

• Adolescents and adults 20 years and over who have not received polio-containing vaccine at the recommended schedule or not received the polio vaccine as part of their childhood vaccination.
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people (pre-screening testing may be recommended).
• People who are immunocompromised, including people living with HIV, haemodialysis patients, people with severe renal impairment, and solid organ or haematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients (Post-vaccination blood testing may be recommended to confirm protection.)
• People with certain medical conditions, including chronic liver disease or hepatitis C.
• People whose work may expose them to blood or body fluids, including healthcare workers.
• Travellers to countries where hepatitis B is common, particularly those travelling for extended periods or undertaking activities that may increase their risk of exposure.
• People at increased risk of Hepatitis B infection:
• Infants born to mothers living with hepatitis B
• Household or close contacts of people living with hepatitis B
• Sexual partners of people living with hepatitis B
• Sexually active men who have sex with men
• People who inject drugs
• People in correctional facilities
• Sex industry workers
• People born in or travelling to countries where hepatitis B is common

* Hepatitis B catch-up vaccination services vary between states and territories. In South Australia and Queensland, pharmacists may be able to assess and provide hepatitis B catch-up vaccinations. In other states, a referral from a GP or another immunisation provider may be required. Speak with your local 777 Pharmacist to check state eligibility to vaccinate for catch up vaccinations.