A GHN and HSE initiative
It is a virus that affects the liver and can make you seriously ill. You can have it and not have any symptoms. A blood test is the only way to find out if you have it. There is a free vaccine available to help prevent getting it. Hepatitis B is 100 times more infectious than HIV.
Hepatitis B is present in blood, semen, vaginal fluids and saliva. You can get it through unprotected sex: oral, anal or vaginal; by sharing needles, blades or sex toys; by direct contact with the smallest amount of blood; by exchange of saliva, deep kissing or bites.
You cannot get it through social contact, hugging or kissing on the lips or cheek.
Hepatitis B can be prevented by safer sex practices.
The best way to prevent Hepatitis B infection is to get a free vaccination.
The Hepatitis B vaccine is given in three injections, which must be completed, followed by a blood test. This is done over a period of eight months.
1st have a blood test & get the first injection
2nd get the second injection, one month after step 1
3rd get the third injection, five months after step 2
4th get a blood test, two months after step 3, to check your level of immunity.
Free Hepatitis B and Hepatitis A vaccine and other STI screens are available at the Gay Men's Health Service Clinic in Dublin and The Gay Men's Clinic in the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast.
For a full list of testing and other support services click here.
