Can Hepatitis B Be Eradicated Through Vaccination?
Published: Dec 13, 2023
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) affects millions worldwide, but eradication might be within reach through effective vaccination. This article explores the importance of vaccination in preventing HBV.
Contents
Global Vaccination Efforts
Vaccine coverage has dramatically increased since 1992, with global infant vaccination rates rising from 3% to 85% by 2019. Despite these advancements, full coverage is yet to be achieved, especially among adults. In the U.S., only 25.8% of adults over 19 years were vaccinated as of 2017. However, childhood vaccinations have significantly reduced acute hepatitis B incidence.
Challenges in Vaccine Response
Not everyone responds to the hepatitis B vaccine, with 5 to 10% of individuals showing no response. Factors like age, obesity, and chronic conditions can affect vaccine efficacy. Health education and infection control remain crucial in these cases. Moreover, concerns about HBV S escape mutants exist, but their overall prevalence is decreasing.
Types of Vaccines Available
Several types of hepatitis B vaccines are available, including yeast-derived, mammalian cell-derived, and combination vaccines. Yeast-derived vaccines are the most common, while novel vaccines like the recombinant HepB-CpG offer quicker immune responses. Each type of vaccine has its own advantages and specific use cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
As of 2019, global infant vaccination rates reached 85%.
The vaccine is over 90% effective in healthy adults.
Yes, 5 to 10% of people do not respond to the vaccine.
They are variations of the virus that can bypass vaccine protection.
Key Takeaways
While vaccination is key to eradicating hepatitis B, ongoing efforts are needed to tackle non-responsiveness and coverage gaps.
Discuss with Doctronic how you can contribute to hepatitis B prevention efforts.Related Articles
References
World Health Organization. Hepatitis B. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hepatitis-b
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Vaccination Coverage among Adults in the United States, National Health Interview Survey, 2017. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/imz-managers/coverage/adultvaxview/pubs-resources/NHIS-2017.html
Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.