Technically Speaking: Hepatitis B Vaccination for Adults — Who Needs It and When?
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Vaccine Update for Healthcare ProvidersPublished on
Vaccine Update for Healthcare ProvidersHepatitis B vaccination recommendations vary by a person’s age and risk factors. In the Technically Speaking column in August, we discussed routine hepatitis B vaccination of infants, children and teens. This month, let’s review hepatitis B vaccination of adults, including vaccination guidance for high-risk groups. In an upcoming column, we will review the issues surrounding hepatitis B serologic tests and vaccination, including who needs testing and when.
For a one-page sheet reviewing the hepatitis B dosing schedule for children and adults, consult IAC’s Hepatitis A and B Vaccines: Be Sure Your Patients Get the Correct Dose. For complete dosing information, consult the ACIP hepatitis B vaccine recommendations for adults.
According to CDC recommendations, adults in the following groups are recommended to receive hepatitis B vaccine:
According to ACIP recommendations, patients do not need to identify (or admit to) a particular risk factor in order to be eligible for vaccination. Anyone who wishes to be protected from hepatitis B should be vaccinated.
Some patients (e.g., foreign-born persons from regions with medium or high levels of HBV infection) are recommended to have their blood tested for evidence of past or present hepatitis B virus infection at the same time that they receive the first dose of hepatitis B vaccine. Blood testing should be done at the same visit as administering the first dose of hepatitis B vaccine. Blood should be drawn prior to hepatitis B vaccine being administered.
In a future issue, we will review the various hepatitis B serologic tests, who needs testing, and when they need it (pre- or post-vaccination).
Contributed by: Deborah Wexler, MD
Categories: Vaccine Update Oct. 2016, Technically Speaking
Materials in this section are updated as new information and vaccines become available. The Vaccine Education Center staff regularly reviews materials for accuracy.
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