Vaccinations

There are several vaccines available to prevent hepatitis B. People at high risk of infection should consider vaccination:

• Male homosexuals and heterosexuals with multiple partners.
• Prostitutes
• People who receive hemodialysis or blood products
• Household and sexual contacts of HBV carriers.
• Users of intravenous street drugs who share needles.

Regulations now require health care and laboratory workers who handle blood and other body fluids to be vaccinated.

The most effective means of preventing viral hepatitis is to avoid contact with the blood, saliva, semen, or vaginal secretions of infected individuals. People who have acute or chronic viral hepatitis should:

• Avoid sharing items that could infect others, such as razors or toothbrushes.
• Protect sex partners from exposure to their semen, vaginal fluids, or blood. Properly used condoms may be effective in preventing sexual transmission.