BBV (Blood Bourne Virus)

One of the aims of the Needle & Syringe Programme scheme is to reduce the transmission of Blood Borne Infections amongst our service users and the wider population.

This is done through the provision of sterile equipment to injecting drug users to make the sharing of needles less likely. We also work to increase the awareness of potential transmission routes of blood borne viruses.

Condom distribution and advice on safer sex are also an important part of our commitment to tackling the spread of blood borne viruses.

All service users can choose to access a specialist nurse who provides Hepatitis A & B vaccinations and testing for Hepatitis C and HIV testing.

Crucially we aim to reduce the rate of BBV and drug related death and to promote the health of individuals who are maintaining a drug using lifestyle, while pro-actively engaging the motivation of those who may move on into treatment and recovery services. Injecting drug users (IDU’s) are at high risk from hepatitis B due to sharing of injection equipment and through sexual spread.

A nurse post will be located in the team offering a range of health based interventions including wound care, screening and Vaccination for Hep A/B and screening referral and pre and post test counselling for Hep C and HIV.

Partners and children of drug users are at risk of hepatitis B infection. Children infected with hepatitis B have a higher risk of chronic infection than adults.

The Harm Reduction workers will work with service users to advise of the risks to families and promote and encourage the vaccination to partners and children.

Hepatitis A Vaccination – Injecting drug users are at higher risk of hepatitis A infection. Hepatitis A vaccination for injecting drug users infected with hepatitis C and/or chronic liver disease is recommended because of the risk of more serious illness if they become infected. The service will offer hepatitis A vaccination to all service users without pre-testing if necessary. Combined hepatitis A vaccine and hepatitis B vaccine will be offered on an accelerated regime.

Hepatitis B - Hepatitis B can be very infectious. Some people pass on the virus more easily than others because they have more of the virus in their bloodstream. Injecting drug users, if you live with an injecting drug user or if you have had or currently are a sexual partner of an injecting drug user.

Hepatitis C - The service will offer screening for hepatitis C, pre and post test discussion and supported pathways into hepatitis C treatment provision in Barnsley.