HCV Vaccines

There is no vaccine to prevent hepatitis C.

Hepatitis C Fact Sheet - Us Department of Health and Human Services

Hepatitis C FAQ - Us Department of Health and Human Services

CDC - PREVENTION

- Do not shoot drugs; if you shoot drugs, stop and get into a treatment program; if you can't stop, never share needles, syringes, water, or "works", and get vaccinated against hepatitis A & B.

- Do not share personal care items that might have blood on them (razors, toothbrushes).

- If you are a health care or public safety worker, always follow routine barrier precautions and safely handle needles and other sharps; get vaccinated against hepatitis B.

- Consider the risks if you are thinking about getting a tattoo or body piercing. You might get infected if the tools have someone else's blood on them or if the artist or piercer does not follow good health practices.

- HCV can be spread by sex, but this is rare. If you are having sex with more than one steady sex partner, use latex condoms* correctly and every time to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases.
You should also get vaccinated against hepatitis B.

- If you are HCV positive, do not donate blood, organs, or tissue.

US Department of Health and Human Services

In Vivo Experimental HCV Vaccine Shows Promise, but Dynavax/Merck HBV Vaccine Candidate Put on Hold Due to Safety Concerns - 4/01/08