A Comprehensive Immunization Strategy to Eliminate Transmission of Hepatitis B Virus Infection in the United States:
Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) Part II: Immunization of Adults
CDC published "A Comprehensive Immunization Strategy to Eliminate Transmission of Hepatitis B Virus Infection in the United States: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) Part II: Immunization of Adults" in the December 8 issue of MMWR Recommendations and Reports.
This report updates ACIP recommendations published previously for hepatitis B vaccination of adults. The primary changes from previous recommendations are as follows:
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In settings in which a high proportion of persons are likely to be at risk for HBV infection (e.g., STD/HIV testing and treatment facilities, drug-abuse treatment and prevention settings, healthcare settings targeting services to IDUs, healthcare settings targeting services to MSM, and correctional facilities), ACIP recommends universal hepatitis B vaccination for all adults who have not completed the vaccine series.
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In primary care and specialty medical settings, ACIP recommends implementation of standing orders to identify adults recommended for hepatitis B vaccination and administer vaccination as part of routine services. To ensure vaccination of adults at risk for HBV infection who have not completed the vaccine series, ACIP recommends the following implementation strategies:
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Provide information to all adults regarding the health benefits of hepatitis B vaccination, including risk factors for HBV infection and persons for whom vaccination is recommended.
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Help all adults assess their need for vaccination by obtaining a history that emphasizes risks for sexual transmission and percutaneous or mucosal exposure to blood.
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Vaccinate all adults who report risks for HBV infection.
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Vaccinate all adults requesting protection from HBV infection, without requiring them to acknowledge a specific risk factor.
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CDC Launches Website to Promote Implementation of Revised Hepatitis B Immunization Recommendations for Adults
CDC has developed a new website to promote implementation of the revised adult hepatitis B immunization recommendations. It includes educational and other materials specifically designed for each setting where hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for adults, such as settings serving adults at high risk for contracting hepatitis B virus infection, primary care and specialty medical settings, and occupational health providers.
The new website is titled Hepatitis B Recommendations for Adults.
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