Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is one of several different hepatitis viruses that can cause liver infections and damage. It is found in the body fluids of infected people and spreads through:

  • sexual contact;
  • sharing drug injecting equipment, toothbrushes or razors;
  • childbirth from mother to babies; and
  • unclean facilities used for tattooing and body piercing.

People in high-risk occupations such as health workers are also susceptible to infection through accidental contact with infected patients/clients. Hepatitis B is a vaccine preventable disease.

Symptoms can show between one to 12 weeks after infection and they include:

  • weakness;
  • tiredness;
  • poor appetite;
  • nausea and/or vomiting;
  • abdominal discomfort/pain;
  • muscle and joint pain;
  • skin rashes;
  • jaundice (yellow colouring of eyes, skin and urine); and
  • dark urine and light faeces.

Most people recover from the acute infection but may carry the Hepatitis B virus long after recovering from symptoms. Some people develop chronic hepatitis, which can lead to liver failure and cancer.

Serological confirmation of post-vaccination immunity

Post-vaccination serological testing is required four weeks after the third dose of Hepatitis B vaccine to ascertain immune/carrier status. This result is confidential therefore responsibility is with the student to ensure appropriate counselling and treatment has been received. Once immunity is established serologically, it is assumed to be permanent.

Carrier status

You may wish to discuss your immune/carrier status, which may have implications for you completing your course of study, with the Clinical Co-ordinator/Director of Clinical Programs. All information will remain confidential.

Vaccination Form

Complete the following form as a record of your screening and vaccination status and send to your school office. This form is in Adobe PDF format.