Better Health Channel
betterhealth.vic.gov.au Department of Health
betterhealth.vic.gov.au Department of Health
  • Hepatitis B is a viral infection that causes liver inflammation. It is transmitted through blood and other body fluids.
  • Hepatitis B can be prevented by immunisation.
  • Immunisation against hepatitis B provides very good protection (about 95% effective) and is recommended for all infants, young children and adolescents, and people in high-risk groups.
  • Untreated hepatitis B can stay in the body for a long time (chronic hepatitis B) and lead to liver scarring (cirrhosis), liver cancer and death. 
  • Most people with hepatitis B in Australia became infected at birth or during their early childhood in countries overseas.
  • Hepatitis B may be spread through unsafe (unprotected) sex or sharing injecting equipment. 

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Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances. The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website.

Reviewed on: 01-05-2023