FAQ

Hepatitis A (HAV) is a viral disease that is self-limiting within a few weeks and never progresses to chronic hepatitis.
The transmission of hepatitis A has been associated with poor living conditions (e.g., inadequate sewage systems), but it is not spread through casual social contact.

Vaccination is the only and most effective method of prevention.

Modes of transmission:

• Fecal-oral route: Consumption of food or water that has come into contact, in some way, with the feces of a person infected with hepatitis A
• Close contact with an infected person or through sexual activity (particularly oral-anal contact)
• Rarely through blood, such as sharing needles among intravenous drug users, during the early phase of the disease when the virus is present in the blood for a few days

Hepatitis B (HBV) is a viral liver disease that can be classified as either acute or chronic.
Chronic hepatitis B develops in patients who are unable to clear the virus during the acute phase of the infection.

Hepatitis B is not transmitted through casual social contact.
Vaccination is the only and most effective method of prevention.

Modes of transmission:

• Unprotected sexual contact
• Parenteral transmission (through blood-to-blood contact, e.g., sharing needles, non-sterile equipment during tattooing, or sharing personal items such as razors and scissors)
• Less commonly, from mother to child during pregnancy or childbirth (vertical transmission)

Hepatitis C (HCV) is a viral disease that can be classified as either acute or chronic.
Chronic hepatitis C develops in patients who are unable to eliminate the virus during the acute phase of the infection.

Hepatitis C is not transmitted through casual social contact.

Modes of transmission:

• Parenteral transmission (through blood-to-blood contact, e.g., sharing needles, non-sterile equipment during tattooing, or sharing personal items such as razors and scissors)
• Less commonly, through unprotected sexual contact
• Rarely, from mother to child during pregnancy or childbirth (vertical transmission)

Viral hepatitis is classified into types A, B, C, D, and E.
There is a safe and effective preventive vaccine available for hepatitis A and hepatitis B.
Prevention of hepatitis B has been set as a global public health priority, and vaccination—the only and most effective method of prevention—should begin in early infancy.

Hepatitis A:
The hepatitis A vaccine contains inactivated hepatitis A virus (formalin-inactivated) adsorbed onto aluminum hydroxide. It is administered intramuscularly in 2 doses, spaced 6 months apart, and is safe for infants and pregnant women.

The hepatitis A vaccine was included in the National Immunization Program in 2012, and the recommended age for completion of vaccination is 12–23 months.

Testing for immune response after vaccination is not recommended, due to the high immunogenicity of the vaccine (protective antibodies are typically produced).

Adult vaccination is recommended for:

• Individuals with chronic hepatitis B and/or C
• Hemophilia patients
• Pre- or post-transplant patients
• Travelers to countries with high endemicity
• Healthcare professionals, especially laboratory personnel handling the virus
• Food industry workers
• Cleaning staff in educational institutions
• Employees exposed to sewage or wastewater
• People living in camps or refugee facilities
• Intravenous drug users
• Men who have sex with men (MSM)

Hepatitis B:
The hepatitis B vaccine was included in the National Immunization Program in 1998 (available since 1982) and is administered intramuscularly in 3 doses. The doses must be spaced at least two months apart.
Full protection is achieved after all three doses. This vaccine is the first vaccine that prevents hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer).

In some cases, a booster dose may be required after several years if no protective antibodies are detected—based on hepatologist recommendations.

Adult vaccination is recommended for:

• Individuals with chronic liver disease (excluding hepatitis B)
• Healthcare workers, dentists, and support staff in direct contact with patients
• Staff and residents of institutions for people with intellectual disabilities
• Personnel in refugee and migrant reception centers
• Prisoners and prison staff
• Patients on hemodialysis or who are frequently transfused
• Individuals in close (sexual or household) contact with hepatitis B carriers
• Newborns of HBsAg-positive mothers (together with hepatitis B immunoglobulin)
• Men who have sex with men (MSM)
• Sex workers
• Intravenous drug users
• People with multiple sexual partners
• Travelers to countries with high endemicity
• Patients undergoing organ or tissue transplantation

To schedule an appointment at a Hepatology or Gastroenterology clinic in a Public Hospital in Greece, you need to call 1535 – the national “Health Line”.
By following the instructions on the automated voice system, you can select the Hepatology (or Gastroenterology) clinic that serves your geographic area.

Even without health insurance, you have access to healthcare services using your Social Security Number (AMKA).

To modify an existing appointment, simply say “τροποποίηση” (“modification”).

You may have questions about the process of accessing treatment for Hepatitis B. Below is a guide outlining the four essential steps:

• Contact a physician – hepatologist.
• Undergo HBV-DNA PCR testing and hepatitis B serological profiling.
• If the criteria are met, you will be enrolled in treatment.
• If not, you will be monitored every six months (with laboratory tests, ultrasound, and elastography).

This guide applies to people diagnosed with Hepatitis B and should never replace the advice of your doctor!

You may have questions about the process of accessing the new treatment (direct-acting antivirals – DAAs) for curing Hepatitis C. Below is a guide that includes the 5 essential steps:

Contact a physician – hepatologist.

• Undergo PCR testing (Polymerase Chain Reaction).
• Undergo liver elastography examination (Fibroscan).
• Take the test results to your hepatologist, who will submit a request to the National Organization for Healthcare Services Provision (EOPYY).
• Receive the medication and follow your doctor’s instructions.

This guide applies to people diagnosed with Hepatitis C and should never replace your doctor’s advice!