Updated Recommendations on Hepatitis B Screening and Vaccination

New guidelines attempt to consolidate various existing recommendations.

Sponsoring Organization: American College of Physicians (ACP) and CDC

Target Audience: All clinicians

Background

Nearly 1 million people in the U.S. have chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection; about two thirds of them are unaware that they're infected. Universal HBV vaccination in infants has contributed to a nearly 90% decrease in acute HBV infections among adults, but challenges remain in unvaccinated at-risk adults. Also, only 10% to 15% of infected adults who are eligible for antiviral therapy receive it. The ACP and the CDC have collaborated to develop updated recommendations on HBV screening, vaccination, and linkage to care.

Key recommendations

Offer screening (HBV surface antigen [HBsAg], HBV core antigen antibody, antibody to HBsAg)…

Reviewing Author

Daniel D. Dressler, MD, MSc, SFHM, FACP

Disclosures

RoyaltiesMcGraw-Hill; Elsevier

Editorial BoardsMedical Clinics of North America; Caribbean Medical Journal International Advisory Panel (2021–2026)