Hepatitis B and hepatitis C are viruses that can cause inflammation of the liver, and while there is effective and safe vaccination to protect against hepatitis B, there is no vaccination to prevent hepatitis C. However, there are very effective treatments available which have minimal side effects and over 95 per cent cure rate.
The HIV and Related Program (HARP) unit provides a range of viral hepatitis services to the community, including outreaching to other services and locations.
Hepatitis testing is also available from sexual health services, Aboriginal Medical Service or GPs. Community members can also order a Dried Blood Spot (DBS) test kit to be delivered to their home for completion.
Lismore Liver Clinic is local at 3/29 Molesworth Street, Lismore, information from 02 6620 7539. Services offered by the Mid North Coast Local Health District are detailed here.
