The legal framework
Hepatitis B vaccination is part of routine infant immunisation, and antenatal screening is included in standard antenatal care. Prevalence is low to moderate. Chronic carriers are followed by specialist services in the regional health authorities, and treatment is available in the public system.
Trinidad and Tobago includes hepatitis B in the routine childhood schedule and offers antenatal screening through the public system. Prevalence is low, and most chronic cases identified involve people born before the programme or arrivals from higher-prevalence countries. Treatment is available through the public hospital system.
Key points
| Infant vaccination | Part of routine immunisation |
|---|---|
| Antenatal screening | Included in standard antenatal care |
| Babies of carriers | Vaccine at birth, with immunoglobulin where available |
| Prevalence | Low to moderate |
| Testing | Available at health centres |
| Treatment | Through the public system |
| Monitoring | Specialist follow-up for chronic carriers |
In practice
- Ask for testing during pregnancy and keep a copy of the result.
- Household contacts of a carrier should be tested and vaccinated.
- Chronic carriers should be enrolled in specialist follow-up.
- Ask for the full serology in one request.
Cost and coverage
Vaccination, testing and treatment are provided through the public system.
Where to go
- Public health centres of the regional health authorities.
- Gastroenterology services of regional hospitals.
- National immunisation programme.
Worth knowing
A single marker is not enough to know where you stand. Ask for surface antigen, core antibody and surface antibody together, and keep the result.
Frequently asked questions
Is treatment available in Trinidad and Tobago?
Yes, through the public hospital system, with specialist assessment to decide whether antiviral treatment is needed — not everyone with chronic infection requires it, but everyone requires monitoring. Private gastroenterology is available at additional cost.
What does a positive result mean for a partner?
The partner should be tested and, if neither immune nor already vaccinated, vaccinated — the vaccine is highly effective and settles the question permanently. Condoms protect in the meantime. Chronic hepatitis B is not a reason to end a relationship: effective treatment suppresses the virus to very low levels, and a vaccinated partner is protected.
Official sources and links
- UN Human Rights Office — ratified treaties and country reviews
- ILO NATLEX — national legislation database