ESTABLISHING
THE FACTS
Hepatitis B Dialogue Guide
Patients often hear confusing or false information about hepatitis B. Use this section to establish the facts and clear up any misunderstandings, reduce fear and stigma, and build trust. This section is designed to be used with a patient during a counseling session:
- Let the patient know that you’d like to share facts that tackle common misconceptions about hepatitis B
- Place three cards face up on the table, with the visuals facing the patient
- Ask the patient to point to a visual they’d like to explore
- Once they choose, hold up the card and read the fact on the back. Be sure to pause to allow time for interpretation if using an interpreter
- After reading, ask the patient what they think, if anything comes to mind, or if they have any new questions
Fact 1
Hepatitis B is a vaccine for everyone, not just for babies and kids!
While many people receive the hepatitis B vaccine as babies, adults who were never vaccinated should get vaccinated as soon as possible to protect themselves and their families. It’s never too late!
Fact 4
Hepatitis B
does NOT spread through sharing food, drinks, utensils, or hugs.
It spreads only through infected blood or certain body fluids —for example, during birth, unprotected sex, tattooing and piercing, or sharing needles.
Fact 2
Sharing a household with someone living with hepatitis B increases the risk of hepatitis B infection for others, but it doesn’t mean everyone in the household already has it.
That’s why it’s important to test anyone who isn’t vaccinated, ensure they get vaccinated, and connect anyone who tests positive to treatment— so everyone in the household is protected.
Fact 3
Feeling healthy (not feeling or showing symptoms) does not mean you don’t have hepatitis B.
You might be feeling very healthy and well, but hepatitis B can often be invisible. People don’t know they have it until complications arise later on. That’s why getting screened is so important!
Fact 5
If you test positive for hepatitis B, getting vaccinated will not ‘get rid of it’ or ‘make it go away. The hepatitis B vaccine is meant to protect you from getting infected.
While many people receive the hepatitis B vaccine as babies, adults who were never vaccinated should get vaccinated as soon as possible to protect themselves and their families. It’s never too late!
Fact 1
Hepatitis B is a vaccine for everyone, not just for babies and kids!
While many people receive the hepatitis B vaccine as babies, adults who were never vaccinated should get vaccinated as soon as possible to protect themselves and their families. It’s never too late!
Fact 4
Hepatitis B
does NOT spread through sharing food, drinks, utensils, or hugs.
It spreads only through infected blood or certain body fluids —for example, during birth, unprotected sex, tattooing and piercing, or sharing needles.
Fact 2
Sharing a household with someone living with hepatitis B increases the risk of hepatitis B infection for others, but it doesn’t mean everyone in the household already has it.
That’s why it’s important to test anyone who isn’t vaccinated, ensure they get vaccinated, and connect anyone who tests positive to treatment— so everyone in the household is protected.
Fact 3
Feeling healthy (not feeling or showing symptoms) does not mean you don’t have hepatitis B.
You might be feeling very healthy and well, but hepatitis B can often be invisible. People don’t know they have it until complications arise later on. That’s why getting screened is so important!
Fact 5
If you test positive for hepatitis B, getting vaccinated will not ‘get rid of it’ or ‘make it go away. The hepatitis B vaccine is meant to protect you from getting infected.
While many people receive the hepatitis B vaccine as babies, adults who were never vaccinated should get vaccinated as soon as possible to protect themselves and their families. It’s never too late!