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Sharing used injecting equipment when injecting drugs, such as steroids, is the primary way that Hepatitis C can be transmitted.
To protect yourself and others from blood-borne viruses you should:
If you think you may have had exposure to a BBV, you should make an appointment to see a doctor, or visit a Sexual Health Clinic, as soon as possible.
The Tasmanian Needle and Syringe Program (NSP) works to minimise the spread of blood-borne viruses through the provision of injecting equipment and ways to appropriately dispose of used injecting equipment.
The program operates throughout Tasmania and consists of Primary and Secondary Needle and Syringe Program (NSP) outlets, Community Pharmacy NSP outlets and NSP vending machines.
For a full list of all of the above types of outlets visit Anglicare Tasmania’s Needle and Syringe Program service page.
Primary NSP outlets provide free injecting equipment as well as:
Find a Primary NSP near you
Secondary NSP Outlets operate within existing community and health organisations and:
Find a Secondary NSP near you
Community Pharmacy NSP outlets supply fit packs containing 1, 3 and 5ml syringes for a fee.
NSP Vending machines supply fit packs containing 1, 3 and 5ml syringes for a fee.
Used needles and injecting equipment should be handled with care to avoid a needle stick injury and prevent the spread of blood-borne viruses.
Needle and Syringe Program staff provide encouragement and information to anyone using needles and other injecting equipment on how to safely dispose of used equipment. However, if you find any discarded needles and other injecting equipment please follow the following guidelines on how to go about it safely.
Download instructions on Safe Retrieval and Disposal of Discarded Injecting Equipment.