Hepatitis B vaccinations still vital despite growing public awareness

Hepatitis B, an infection of the liver caused by the Hepatitis B virus (HBV), is a condition that affects an estimated 1.2 million Americans, according to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Each year, about 25,000 people become infected through the careless use of needles or risky sexual practices. HBV is found to be most concentrated in blood but is also present in semen and vaginal secretions. Although most adults recover fully, this condition may permanently damage the liver.

In 2006, the CDC launched a national initiative to promote vaccination, due to the high number of infected individuals between ages 25 and 44. Over the next few years, the CDC encouraged state and local programs to offer or expand HBV vaccination to adults in need. The Journal of the American Medical Association reported that $20 million in federal funding was made available in 2007, enabling the establishment of the Adult Hepatitis Vaccine Project in California.

Because Hepatitis B can result in serious complications such as liver failure and kidney problems, the CDC cites the importance of having all infants vaccinated at birth. Although Hepatis B has declined considerably over the years through the national awareness initiative, the CDC recommends that sexually active adults be vaccinated as well as tested frequently for STDs.