Hepatitis B Vaccine

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A Comprehensive Immunization Strategy to Eliminate Transmission of Hepatitis B Virus Infection in the United States

The Bureau of Immunization is pleased to announce the release of 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 MMWR Recommendations and Reports Volume 55, No. RR-16, December 8, 2006.

This report, the second of a two-part statement from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), provides updated recommendations to increase hepatitis B vaccination of adults at risk for HBV infection. The first part of the ACIP statement, which provided recommendations for immunization of infants, children, and adolescents, was published previously (CDC. 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 1: immunization of infants, children, and adolescents. MMWR 2005;54[No. RR-16]:1--33 ).

In settings in which a high proportion of adults have risks for HBV infection, ACIP recommends universal hepatitis B vaccination for all unvaccinated adults. In other primary care and specialty medical settings in which adults at risk for HBV infection receive care, healthcare providers should inform all patients about the health benefits of vaccination. This information should include risks for HBV infection and persons for whom vaccination is recommended. Healthcare providers should vaccinate adults who report risks for HBV infection and any adults requesting protection from HBV infection. To promote vaccination in all settings, healthcare providers should implement standing orders to identify adults recommended for hepatitis B vaccination and administer vaccination as part of routine clinical services, not require acknowledgment of an HBV infection risk factor for adults to receive vaccine, and use available reimbursement mechanisms to remove financial barriers to hepatitis B vaccination.

Please ensure that the Immunization Strategy to Eliminate Transmission of Hepatitis B Virus Infection is widely distributed to colleagues, members, coalitions, and partners with an interest in the supply, distribution, management and administration of Hepatitis B vaccine. You may access the document online:

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 MMWR Recommendations and Reports Volume 55, No. RR-16, December 8, 2006

Additionally, CDC launched a website to promote implementation of revised hepatitis B immunization recommendations for adults. The new website is titled "Hepatitis B Recommendations for Adults." To access the website, go to: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/hepatitis/recs/index.htm