There is no vaccine to protect against hepatitis C, but there are a number of things that can be done to avoid becoming infected.

To make sure you don't put yourself or others at risk:

• Don't start injecting drugs, and don't help others to start
• If you inject drugs, try to stop (for help, visit the Drug and Alcohol Registry of Treatment)
• If you're unable to stop injecting drugs, use only your own equipment and never share it. This includes needles, syringes, cookers, filters, spoons, water or anything else that might be contaminated with blood
• Do not share pipes to smoke crack cocaine or other drugs
• Do not share straws, bills or other utensils to snort cocaine or other drugs.
• Think about how your sexual practices might result in blood transfer between you and your partner(s), and take steps to lessen these risks. Condoms provide some protection against sexual transmitted infections, but if your sexual practices are aggressive and result in bleeding, you and your partner(s) will need to consider ways to prevent blood-to-blood contact
• If you are considering having a tattoo, piercing, acupuncture, medical, dental or cosmetic procedure, make sure that all equipment has been properly sterilized.
• Do not share razors, toothbrushes, tweezers, manicure or pedicure equipment such as nail clippers

For information on needle exchange programs, visit the Ontario Harm Reduction Distribution Program