Hepatitis B and hepatitis C are viruses that can cause inflammation of the liver. Both hepatitis B and hepatitis C are spread through contact with infected blood. Sharing injecting equipment, unsterile tattooing and body piercing or unsterile medical procedures can put you at risk of contracting hepatitis B or hepatitis C. Hepatitis B is also present in body fluids and can be transmitted via sexual contact as well as from mother to child.

Effective and safe vaccination is available to protect against hepatitis B. 

There are effective treatments available for hepatitis B. Not everyone with hepatitis B needs to take treatment. People with hepatitis B need to have regular blood tests and see their doctor who will discuss a management plan.

There is no vaccination to prevent hepatitis C, however there are very effective treatments available which have minimal side effects and over 95% cure rate. 

If you are living with hepatitis B or C, it is important to know that there are effective treatments available. In addition to this, there are a range of lifestyle choices which may be recommended.

If hepatitis B or C are left untreated or unmanaged, there is a risk of liver scarring, also known as cirrhosis. Some people with chronic hepatitis and/or cirrhosis may have an increased risk of liver cancer and need regular testing and scans to check their liver.

The HARP unit provides a range of viral hepatitis services to the community, including outreaching to other services and locations. Services provided include:

• information and education about hepatitis A, B and C prevention, management and treatment
• testing and treatment for hepatitis B and hepatitis C
• hepatitis A and B vaccination for defined target groups

All services are free and confidential.

Hepatitis testing is also available from sexual health services, Aboriginal Medical Service or GPs.

You can also order a Dried Blood Spot (DBS) test kit to be delivered to your home and complete your own test. Follow this link for more information: HIV and hepatitis C dried blood spot test. 

Local services are available at these locations:

NNSW Liver Clinic at Lismore
(02) 6620 7539

Suite 3, Level 1, 29 Molesworth Street, Lismore
Monday to Friday 8.30am - 4.00pm

If you prefer to be seen in Byron Bay, Nimbin, Casino or Tweed Heads, please contact NNSW Liver Clinic at Lismore to speak to a nurse (02 6620 7539).

For more information:

Call the Hepatitis Infoline 1800 803 990

• Hepatitis Australia
• Hepatitis NSW

More information for Health Professionals:

• HealthPathways
• Australasian Society for HIV Medicine (ASHM)