HIV Services | Queensland Health
Hepatitis A is an acute infection of the liver caused by the hepatitis A virus and is easily preventable by a vaccine.
Hepatitis A is most commonly spread by the faecal-oral route. This may occur when anything that has been contaminated with infected faeces is put in the mouth. Persons who engage in certain sexual practices such as anal intercourse (including men who have sex with men and sex industry workers) and persons who inject drugs (including inmates of correctional facilities) may be at increased risk of acquiring hepatitis A
Vaccination requires two doses of Hepatitis A vaccine with the second dose 6-12 months after the first. Blood testing following vaccination to check immunity is not routinely required.
THIS IS CURRENTLY BEING PROVIDED FREE OF CHARGE AT Q CLINIC
Hepatitis B is a serious liver infection that is easily preventable by a vaccine
Hepatitis B can be transmitted by:-
An infected mother to baby usually occurring at or around the time of birth
exposure to infected blood and other bodily fluids eg through sharing injecting equipment
sexual contact - including vaginal or anal intercourse, although the latter is associated with a higher risk
non-sexual contact with an infected person (horizontal transmission), eg through contact between open sores or wounds.
Vaccination requires three doses of Hepatitis B vaccine at 0,1 and 6 months. You may require a double dose each time. You will also need a blood test 4-6 weeks after the last injection to ensure you have immunity.
THIS IS PROVIDED FREE OF CHARGE AT Q CLINIC
Flu is transmitted from person to person by tiny particles released when someone coughs or sneezes or by direct contact with respiratory fluids ie from hands. Severe disease from seasonal influenza is more likely with chronic conditions like HIV and/or smoking.
Vaccination is required annually and is provided FREE OF CHARGE AT Q CLIIC
There are over 90 types of pneumococcus types recognised.
The bacteria normally colonises in the upper respiratory tract in humans. Immunocompromised people may not be able to mount an adequate immune response if exposed to the infection.
It is transmitted from person to person via contact with respiratory droplets of colonised people ie sneezing.
It is recommended that Prevenar 13 is given first followed by Pneumovax 23 two months after.
Both vaccines involve costs (Prevenar 13 is approximately $120 and Pneumovax 23 is subsidised on the PBS so much less expensive).
Additional vaccination with Pneumovax 23 is recommended five years after the first then a third vaccination either 5 years after the second or when the person is 65 years or over – whichever is latest.
Routine vaccinations should be reviewed and updated before travel. All patients travelling overseas should seek specialist advice as to what is required.
Refer to the links below for specific country vaccination requirements