Migrants from hepatitis B–endemic countries are recommended to receive testing for hepatitis B, and hepatitis B vaccine as appropriate
Migrants from hepatitis B–endemic countries are recommended to receive testing for hepatitis B, and vaccination if appropriate.
These people are more likely to:
- have been previously infected with hepatitis B virus
- have a close household contact with chronic hepatitis B
Areas of high endemicity, indicated by high seroprevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen, include:20
- most of East and Southeast Asia (except Japan)
- Pacific island countries
- parts of central Asia and the Middle East
- the Amazon Basin
- sub-Saharan Africa
Adult-formulation hepatitis B vaccine should be given in a 3-dose schedule. See Table. Monovalent hepatitis B vaccines for adolescents and adults in Vaccines, dosage and administration.
See also Vaccination for migrants, refugees and people seeking asylum in Australia.
Page history
Printed content may be out of date. For up to date information, always refer to the digital version: https://immunisationhandbook.health.gov.au/recommendations/migrants-from-hepatitis-b-endemic-countries-are-recommended-to-receive-testing-for.