What should you know about a hepatitis C virus vaccine?

Hepatitis C spreads mainly when infected blood enters another person's bloodstream. It is not prevented by vaccination, and a past infection does not reliably protect against a new infection. Avoid sharing needles, razors, or toothbrushes, and use reputable services for procedures that can break the skin. A healthcare professional can explain testing if you are concerned about an exposure.

Book a GP consultation after a possible blood exposure and ask which tests are suitable and when they should be done. Cover cuts, clean blood spills safely, and do not share personal items that may carry blood. If you have hepatitis C, discuss treatment and tell relevant clinicians before procedures. A Liver Function Test may help assess liver health, but it is not a substitute for a hepatitis C test.

Seek prompt medical advice after a needle-stick, shared injecting equipment, or another event involving someone else's blood. Get urgent help for yellow skin or eyes, confusion, vomiting blood, black stools, severe abdominal swelling, or sudden severe weakness. Fatigue alone has many possible causes, but persistent or worsening Fatigue should be assessed.

Ask whether you need hepatitis C testing, when testing will be informative, how to protect household members from blood exposure, and whether you need liver assessment or specialist care.