_edite.png)
HPV and HepB Immunisation
Hep B Immunisation
Hepatitis B (Hep B) is a blood-borne virus that you can protect yourself from by being immunised.
Hep B screening makes up part of a sexual health check.
The course of Hepatitis B injections takes about 6 months and includes 3 doses.
Your employer may ask for proof that you are immune to Hepatitis B.
This can be proven by having a blood test taken which shows you have antibodies to the virus.
Some people need boosters every few years, to keep them immune.
HPV Immunisation and Treatment
​
HPV is a cause of cervical cancer, and implicated in some other cancers (e.g. throat and rectum). If HPV is detected on cervical screening for a woman, she will be followed more closely to ensure she doesn’t develop cervical cancer.
There are over 100 different types of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and sometimes these cause warts to grow on the skin and genitals. Not all people who are infected with HPV get warts.
There is a school-based program for girls and boys in Australia against the most dangerous types of HPV. If you missed the school vaccination programme, or were never offered the vaccine, we can give it to you.
Most people who have been sexually active have been exposed to HPV. It is worth considering HPV vaccination at any age, though after the age of 45 years it probably offers limited protection.
HPV is not screened for as part of a routine STI/STD check, but now forms the basis of the new cervical screening program in women.
As yet there is no systematic screening program for HPV related issues in MSM but we recommend that all MSM have HPV vaccination.
If you are not vaccinated, it might be worth considering!
We can counsel you about the risk of being infected with these viruses and if you are not immune to Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) or Hepatitis B, we can prescribe and give you the injections to give you protection.
​
We can also provide treatment for warts, if they are bothering you, though often they just disappear by themselves, when the body makes an immune response, like any other kind of infection.
Treatment for warts involves either cryotherapy ( freezing treatment using liquid nitrogen), heat, excision or topical treatments, depending on the site and pattern of wart distribution. Treatment for warts is rarely successful after just one treatment and may require multiple visits.
We will examine you and recommend a particular treatment according to your personal situation.
​
Vaccinations ( except for very specific groups ) need to be purchased, a cost which is usually reclaimable on health insurance.
There are 3 injections for Hep B and HPV vaccination, over a six-month interval.
These vaccinations are very safe and rarely cause any side-effects other than possible mild bruising at the injection site.