Free testing for hepatitis B and hepatitis C
Do you remember or know if you have ever been tested for hepatitis B or hepatitis C?
Many people incorrectly believe they have been automatically tested when they come to live in Australia or if they have ever visited a hospital in Australia. This was not true for most people in the past. Since the 1st of July 2024 changes to immigration requirements have seen more people tested for hepatitis B. In Australia it is estimated 70% of people living with hepatitis B were born overseas. Whilst we do not have accurate data for the number of people living with hepatitis C due to past infections caused by medical procedures in their home country – it is still considered a concern for our overseas born communities.
ECCQ’s Love Health Program is part of a National Research Program with the UNSW and the Kirby Institute helping people in the community to get free, rapid testing.
What are the benefits of knowing if you have hepatitis C or hepatitis B?
• Early diagnosis can help protect you and your loved ones from not only accidental infection, but also long-term health challenges associated with undiagnosed liver disease.
• There is a vaccination available for hepatitis B that is free for (unvaccinated/uninfected) people sharing a house with a person living with hepatitis B, and people with a Medicare Card from hepatitis B endemic countries.
• If you are living with hepatitis B or hepatitis C you may not have symptoms until there is significant damage (cirrhosis) happening to your liver, or liver cancer or liver failure is happening.
• There are good management practices that can help you reduce the risks of developing adverse health outcomes if you are living with hepatitis B. These include minimum recommended routine blood tests to check liver function and viral load, yearly Fibroscan to check for liver damage and regular ultrasounds to check for liver cancer. Your doctor will tell you how often you need these as it differs for different age groups, ethnicities and family history of liver disease.
• There is a simple cure for hepatitis C – with minimal or no side effects at all.
What do the tests for hepatitis C and hepatitis B with ECCQ involve?
• You do not need a Medicare Card to get tested.
• Our team of highly trained bi-lingual health workers will provide you with on-the-spot education about hepatitis B and C, which will be done for most people in their preferred language.
• The test only involves a simple fingerprick to get a very small amount of blood. For hepatitis C the result (antibodies) is available within a minute; for hepatitis B the result (surface antigen) is available within 30 minutes.
• If either result is positive, one of our bi-lingual community health workers can assist with accessing appropriate care if you do not have a regular doctor and provide you with support if needed.
• The testing can be performed in a number of locations including our offices in West End and many community locations. Please contact one of our team members to discuss where and when a session is available that will suit you.
What else can the Love Health Program do for you and your community?
• We always appreciate the support of our communities and if you would like one of our team to provide free information and education to your family or community, please contact us to arrange. Again, this can be done in language. We not only provide information about hepatitis B and C, but also HIV and Sexual Health.
Remember it is better to know your status than not to know.
For more information, please see our webpage at www.eccq.com.au/bbv or contact us by email at health@eccq.com.au.
If you are in Cairns, you can contact the team at Cairns Sexual Health Services by calling (07) 4226 4769 or emailing cairnsshs@health.qld.gov.au.
