The legal framework
Australia gives a birth dose followed by the combined infant schedule, and antenatal screening is universal. The great majority of people living with chronic hepatitis B in Australia were born overseas, in regions of higher endemicity, which makes targeted testing far more productive than general screening.
Australia added hepatitis B to the infant schedule in 2000, with a birth dose given in the first days of life to every newborn, not only those of positive mothers — a universal birth dose is the gold standard and relatively few countries do it. Antenatal screening is universal, and adult catch-up is funded for defined risk groups.
Key points
| Birth dose | Within 24 hours, followed by the combined infant schedule |
|---|---|
| Antenatal screening | Universal |
| Babies of carriers | Vaccine and immunoglobulin at birth |
| Testing | Medicare-covered; recommended for people born in higher prevalence countries |
| Treatment | Subsidised on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme |
| Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people | Higher prevalence, with dedicated programmes |
| Undiagnosed | A substantial share of carriers remain undiagnosed |
In practice
- If you or your parents were born in Asia, Africa, the Pacific or parts of Europe, ask for testing.
- Ask for all three markers in one request.
- Chronic carriers need regular monitoring even without treatment.
- Household contacts should be tested and vaccinated.
Cost and coverage
Testing is covered by Medicare; treatment is subsidised on the national scheme.
Where to go
- General practices and Aboriginal community controlled health services.
- Sexual health clinics and liver clinics.
- Hepatitis Australia and state organisations.
Worth knowing
Chronic hepatitis B causes no symptoms for decades and is often found only when the liver is already damaged. Targeted testing by country of birth is the single most effective step.
Frequently asked questions
Does every baby get a dose at birth in Australia?
Yes, a universal birth dose is given in the first days of life regardless of the mother's status, followed by further doses in the infant schedule. Babies of positive mothers also receive immunoglobulin. This universal approach is what makes the programme so effective.
Why does the birth dose matter so much?
Because transmission from mother to baby at birth is the route most likely to produce a lifelong chronic infection — an infant infected at birth has a very high chance of never clearing the virus, whereas an adult usually does. A vaccine dose within twenty-four hours of birth, with immunoglobulin where the mother is positive, prevents this in the great majority of cases.
Official sources and links
- healthdirect — government health information and service finder
- ASHM — national clinical guidance on HIV and STIs
- Federal Register of Legislation — Commonwealth law as made and in force
- Services Australia — government services and payments