FAQs

I am hoping to get a tattoo and my mother said I should look into which immunisations I should have before getting it done. Could you outline what precautions I should take?

Answer

The vaccination your mother is talking about is probably for Hepatitis B. If tattooing is done in unsterile conditions it can transmit blood born viruses such as Hepatitis B & C. There is no vaccine for Hepatitis C, and so prevention is best.

If you are going to get a tattoo, check that the tattoo artist complies with the required standards including:

1. Using pre sterilised single use equipment
2. Washing their hands and wearing gloves.
3. Use a sanitized bed or table, preferably with a fresh cover.
4. Cleaning and sanitising the surface of the skin.
5. Using a new needle.
6. Using a new source of ink.
7. Cleaning and sanitising the skin after the tattoo.
8. Providing instructions on the care of the tattoo.

If you are getting a tattoo, ask the operator to show you what he/she is doing to protect your health.

Here are some links that might be useful for you:

NSW Health Skin Penetration - Fact Sheet "TATTOOING"
http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/public-health/ehb/general/skinpen/fs_tattooing.pdf

Hepatitis C Council of NSW - Tattooing and HCV
http://www.hepatitisc.org.au/quickref/documents/Tattooing_002.pdf

NSW Health Skin Penetration - Code of Best Practice
http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/public-health/ehb/general/skinpen/cobp_skin_pen.pdf

Sometimes questions arise about minors getting consent - this is not a health issue, but a liability concern. Parents should give written consent for any minors (under 18) to have a tattoo, and everyone getting a tattoo should be fully aware of what they are doing and give their consent.