hepatitis a&B vaccination

Why should I get vaccinated for Hepatitis
A & B?

Men who have sex with men may be at greater risk of hepatitis A and hepatitis B? Within a few weeks of becoming infected with Hepatitis A you can become jaundiced and be very unwell. Hepatitis B infection often goes unnoticed until you have long term liver damage. Hepatitis B can also lead to liver cancer.

Good News: There is a vaccine which can protect you.

Bad News: More than half of those at risk are unvaccinated.

How can I protect myself against Hepatitis A and B?

Vaccination The good news is there is a vaccine that can give most people complete protection against Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B. It is a course of three or four injections, given under the skin in the arm. After this a blood test is recommended to see if you have responded. For the small number of people who don’t respond another course of injections may be needed.

Safer Sex

As Hepatitis A and B are can be passed on during sex, practicing safer sex (using a condom for oral sex and when the penis enters the anus or vagina, and a dam when licking/sucking the genitals or anus) will reduce your chances of becoming infected. It will also reduce your chances of other sexually transmitted infections. Condoms are available free of charge from the Department of Sexual Health. Condoms and lub can also be posted to gay and bisexual men by ‘Healthy Gay Scotland’. Condoms are also free to those under 20 years of age through the C-Card service. See How do I get free condoms for more details about all these services.

Is the vaccine safe?

Hepatitis A and B vaccines have been available for some time and have a very good safety record. Like many other vaccinations there can be mild soreness and redness around the site of the injection. Much less common are flu like symptoms. Serious side effects including allergic reactions are very unusual.

Further information

Sexual Health Dumfries & Galloway operate clinics to which you can directly refer yourself and do not require an appointment.

For the location and times of your nearest clinic
Phone 0845 702 3687
E-mail dg.sexualhealth@nhs.net

At these clinics you can also discuss testing for other sexually transmitted infections including chlamydia, gonorrhoea, HIV and syphilis. This is a free confidential service.

How do I get free condoms?
You can find out where to access free condoms in Dumfries and Galloway including details of the C Card service (condoms for those under 20) by phoning 0845 702 3687.

For condoms by post contact Healthy Gay Scotland www.healthygayscotland.com
Healthy Gay Scotland,
Suite 2, Beaverhall House,
Beaverhall Road,
Edinburgh, EH7 4JE
Telephone: 0131 558 3713

Is there somewhere local I can get general advice and support?
Contact
D&G LGBT Centre
26 Brewery Street,
Dumfries DG1 2RP
Tel: 01387 739888
Txt: 07785 274147
www.lgbtyouth.org.uk
www.outfront.org.uk
Email: DandG@lgbtyouth.org.uk