Effective vaccinations are available to protect against hepatitis A and hepatitis B. There is currently no vaccine against hepatitis C. All people living with HIV should receive these vaccinations unless they already have natural immunity to hepatitis A or B, usually as a result of clearing a previous infection. Your HIV clinic can check this with a blood test.

The hepatitis A vaccine normally requires two doses by injection and the hepatitis B vaccine requires three shots over a six-month period. There is also a combination hepatitis A and B vaccine. Your HIV clinic should be able to give you these vaccines. Let your HIV doctor know if you get them elsewhere.

A complete vaccine course can usually provide long-term protection against hepatitis A and B. A blood test can show whether your level of immunity is high enough to protect you. It is important that you have this test after your vaccinations. Sometimes people need a booster to raise their levels of immunity.

People living with HIV – especially those with a low CD4 cell count – have a greater chance of not developing adequate immunity after the standard vaccine course. If so, you might need to repeat the vaccination course or receive higher doses. People with a low CD4 count should start HIV treatment first to give the vaccines a better chance of working.