Epidemiology and Prevention
Philip R. Spradling
Division of Viral Hepatitis, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
Search for more papers by this authorDale J. Hu
International Emerging Infections Program, US CDC Office, US Embassy, Beijing, China
Search for more papers by this authorBrian J. McMahon
Liver Disease and Hepatitis Program, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium; Arctic Investigations Program, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Anchorage, AK, USA
Search for more papers by this authorPhilip R. Spradling
Division of Viral Hepatitis, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
Search for more papers by this authorDale J. Hu
International Emerging Infections Program, US CDC Office, US Embassy, Beijing, China
Search for more papers by this authorBrian J. McMahon
Liver Disease and Hepatitis Program, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium; Arctic Investigations Program, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Anchorage, AK, USA
Search for more papers by this authorHoward C. Thomas BSc, PhD, FRCP, FRCPath, FMedSci
Emeritus Professor of Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
Search for more papers by this authorAnna S.F. Lok MD
Alice Lohrman Andrews Research Professor in Hepatology, Director of Clinical Hepatology, Professor of Internal Medicine, Associate Chair for Clinical Research, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
Search for more papers by this authorStephen A. Locarnini MBBS, BSc(Hons), PhD, FRCPath
Head, Research & Molecular Development, Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
Search for more papers by this authorArie J. Zuckerman MD, DSc, FRCP, FRCPath, FMedSci
Emeritus Professor of Medical Microbiology, Formerly Principal and Dean, Royal Free Hospital School of Medicine
Search for more papers by this authorSummary
Infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) continues to be a leading cause of illness and death in many areas of the world. The prevalence of chronic infection among countries varies greatly and remains high in many parts of Asia and Africa. In developed countries, the prevalence is higher among those who emigrated from high- or intermediate-prevalence countries and among those with high-risk behaviors. Since the release of a highly effective vaccine in 1981, universal infant hepatitis B vaccination programs implemented in a growing number of countries have resulted in dramatic reductions in perinatal and chronic infection. Among persons vaccinated during adolescence and adulthood, studies demonstrate persistence of immunity for at least 20 years, and revaccination (or “booster doses”) is not recommended. However, among persons vaccinated at birth, some data suggest loss of immunity in a significant proportion of persons after 15 years. Studies are ongoing to examine long-term immunity among persons who received hepatitis B vaccine at birth to determine if, when, and for whom revaccination may be warranted.
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