Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommended universal Hepatitis B vaccination in adults aged 19-59 years
On Mar. 10, 2023, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended the universal hepatitis B (HepB) vaccination for any individual from infancy through 59 years. The new recommendation follows the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) guidance, as they expanded their recommendations for HepB vaccination in April 2022 to include universal HepB vaccination for all adults 19–59 years.
The new recommendation adds to the existing one for universal infant HepB vaccination and for anyone <19 years who is unvaccinated for HepB. HepB vaccination remains recommended for adults ≥60 years with risk factors for HepB. For adults ≥60 years without known risk factors for HepB, vaccination is acceptable if the patient desires it.
The recent expansion of the HepB vaccine recommendations is an important public health intervention since “Hepatitis B vaccination is the most effective measure to prevent HBV [hepatitis B virus] infection and its consequences.” These effects can include chronic liver disease, liver cancer, and even death.
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Source: American Academy of Family Physician
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