Hepatitis B Immunisation for foster carers

Hepatitis B is a rare condition but it is possible that a child placed with carers could carry the infection. It is one of the Blood Borne infections (HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C), but Hepatitis B is the only one for which an immunisation has been developed.

Advice published by the British Association for Adoption & Fostering states that, as a sensible precaution, foster carers should consider protecting themselves against the risk of contracting Hepatitis B infection.

Although there is a low risk from transmission of the infection in normal daily living -as long as basic hygiene precautions are used, the immunisation is advised for all carers, particularly as there may be no symptoms of infection apparent in the child and we will not always know if a child is infected.

The immunisation is delivered in 3 doses at the GP surgery. Many GPs will administer this free of charge for people who work with vulnerable children, but some may charge a small fee and, if this is the case, then the foster carer should contact their supervising social worker to discuss payment.

More information about Hepatitis B is available at www.nhs.uk/conditions.

Dr Sian Bennett
Medical Advisor for Fostering & Adoption

Sue Donald
Nurse Consultant for Looked After Children