
How is hepatitis B spread?
Hepatitis B is spread through contact with blood and bodily fluids, including semen and vaginal fluid. Therefore, you may be exposed to the hepatitis B virus through unprotected sex (without a condom), or through sharing needles for drug injection, or through acupuncture, body piercing and tattooing, if proper sterility and hygiene practices are not followed.
Hepatitis B may also be transferred from a mother to baby during birth or in the time after birth.
In less common cases, hepatitis B may also be spread by contact with personal items such as contaminated razors and toothbrushes.
Due to screening of blood products and organs for transplant, contracting hepatitis B through a blood transfusion or organ transplant is not likely in Australia.

Sources & Citations
2. Australian Government, Department of Health. Australian Immunisation Handbook. Hepatitis B. Available at: immunisationhandbook.health.gov.au/vaccine-preventable-diseases/hepatitis-b (accessed 4 March 2020).
SPANZ.SAPAS.18.04.0173(2)a - Date of preparation April 2020
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