Good news! hepatitis B treatment is now easier to access in Australia
From 1 September 2026, all GPs (family doctors) and authorised nurse practitioners can prescribe hepatitis B medication in Australia. Before this date, only a small number of GPs with special training and received accreditation could prescribe the medication. Now, you can get a prescription from your regular GP or a GP close to where you live. This is a big step forward. The government has removed barriers so people can access hepatitis B treatment more easily in Australia.
All GPs can get free training and support from ASHM. ASHM is a national organization that provides training, resources, and support for health professionals working in hepatitis, HIV and sexual health. The ASHM’s website also has a list of doctors and nurse practitioners who have received hepatitis B treatment training. For more information can be accessed at www.ashm.org.au.
In Queensland, 30% of people living with chronic hepatitis B require treatment. However, only less than 10% are currently on treatment (National Viral Mapping Project Report: Hepatitis B).
If you have chronic hepatitis B and are not sure if you need treatment, please talk to your doctor now.
If you are already on the treatment, please take your medication every day. Current treatment is not a cure, but it can control the hepatitis B virus and reduce the risk of liver cancer. You can find more information about hepatitis B medication in our brochure “How to take Hepatitis B Medication in Australia” at www.eccq.com.au/bbv. The resource is available in English, Arabic, Chinese (simplified and traditional), Thai, Khmer, Karen, Hindi, Dari, Burmese, Vietnamese, Swahili, and Korean.
If you, your family, or your friends with chronic hepatitis are considering treatment, and need more information and support, please contact us at [email protected].
Remember: whether you are on treatment or not, all people with chronic hepatitis B need to see their doctor every six months to check their liver through blood tests, an ultrasound (for some high-risk groups) or Fibroscans if required by your doctor.
ECCQ’s Love Health Program is funded by Queensland Health. ECCQ is accredited by QIP against the QIC Standards.
