Viral Hepatitis Updates from CDC

Viral Hepatitis Updates from CDC

Proposed Recommendations for the Identification of HCV Chronic Infection Among Persons Born during 1945 through 1965CDC is requesting public comment on Proposed Recommendations for the Identification of HCV Chronic Infection Among Persons Born during 1945 through 1965 (hereinafter referred to as the Recommendations). CDC has developed the proposed Recommendations to increase the proportion of persons with HCV infection who are aware of their infection and who receive appropriate clinical care and preventive services to prevent the long term sequelae of HCV. The comment period will extend from May 22, 2012 through June 8, 2012.

CDC is seeking public comment on these Recommendations, particularly concerning the following questions:

1) Are there other data, evidence, or studies to consider regarding

a. the burden of HCV infection morbidity, and mortality in the populations for whom testing is recommended?

b. the number of persons living with HCV who are unaware of their infection status?

c. the benefits and harms of HCV testing, care and treatment?

d. the cost effectiveness of the proposed recommendations?

e. settings in a community where testing should be targeted?

2) Are there other factors, e.g., other scientific studies not referenced, which should be considered in the development of the Recommendations?

3) Are there any other comments about the utility of the information?

The proposed Recommendations will be available and comments may be provided on the Federal Register Notice (Docket ID: CDC-2012-0005) from May 22, 2012 through June 8, 2012 at the following site: www.regulations.gov.

Additional Resources:

• CDC Press Release: CDC Announces First Ever National Hepatitis Testing Day and Proposes that All Baby Boomers Be Tested Once for Hepatitis C
• CDC fact sheet: Hepatitis C: Proposed Expansion of Testing Recommendations, 2012
• Hepatitis C in the United States: Graphics with Key Data for Hepatitis C in the US and among Baby Boomers

CDC released a $6.5 million funding opportunity announcement PPHF 2012 Viral Hepatitis, Early Identification, and Linkage to Care for Persons with Chronic HBV and HCV Infections - Financed Solely by 2012 Prevention and Public Health Fund.
The purpose of this FOA is to support implementation of a viral hepatitis testing initiative to increase early identification of persons with hepatitis B and hepatitis C (or both), with a focus on medically underserved populations and populations that are disproportionately affected by these infections. In accordance with the HHS Viral Hepatitis Action Plan, this FOA focuses on CDC’s commitment to ensure that new cases of viral hepatitis are prevented and that persons who are already infected are tested, informed of their infection, provided with counseling, and linked to care, treatment, and prevention services.

May is Hepatitis Awareness Month
During the month of May, CDC’s Division of Viral Hepatitis (DVH) will be observing Hepatitis Awareness Month and the first ever national Hepatitis Testing Day on May 19th. 

• Hepatitis Awareness Month and Testing Day buttons, badges, and banners
• Hepatitis Risk Assessment
• Risk Assessment Poster
• Hepatitis Risk Assessment Resources
• Know More Hepatitis (KMH) National Education campaign
• KMH campaign posters, testing fact sheets
• Hepatitis Testing Day Event Page
• New Hepatitis B Poster features Assistant Secretary for Health Dr. Howard Koh
• Hepatitis Downloadable Materials Inventory
• Statement from HHS Assistant Secretary for Health Dr. Howard Koh about Hepatitis Testing Day and the Hepatitis Risk Assessment
• New e-card to raise awareness and increase testing of Hepatitis B in the Asian American community