Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is an infection of the liver caused by a virus that's spread through blood and body fluids. It is very infectious and very easily transmitted through unprotected sex or by sharing needles to inject drugs.
Most people who have Hep B don’t have any visible symptoms, but the infection can persist for many years and cause severe liver damage, including cirrhosis, liver failure and liver cancer.
Certain groups are at an increased risk, those include men who have sex with men, or people who have recently; paid for sex, been sexually assaulted, had a partner who has the Hep B infection or injected drugs.
A Hep B vaccination is available from a sexual health clinic, for the prevention of the virus in those groups who are at high risk.
You may have been advised by the clinic to have a course of vaccinations against Hepatitis B. Vaccination is routinely offered if you fit into any of the following groups:
• Men who have sex with men (MSM)
• Sex Workers
• Injecting drug use
• If you or your sexual partner are HIV positive
• If you have been the victim of a sexual assault
• If you have suffered a needle stick injury
• Your sexual partner is Hepatitis B positive
• If you have been exposed to a Hepatitis B infection
If you have been exposed to a Hep B infection, please contact the booking and information Freephone number on 0800 328 3383 to make appointment to receive a vaccination.