CDC Viral Hepatitis Updates

May is Hepatitis Awareness Month

For Hepatitis Awareness Month and national Hepatitis Testing Day on May 19th, learn more about thedifferent types of viral hepatitis. Find out if you should get tested or vaccinated by taking a quick, online Hepatitis Risk Assessment Hepatitis Risk Assessment.

MMWR: Community-Based Services to Improve Testing and Linkage to Care Among Non–U.S.-Born Persons with Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection

CDC funded three programs to develop hepatitis B testing and linkage-to-care programs serving non–U.S.-born persons during 2014–2017; 78% of persons with chronic HBV infection were linked to care using community-based services. HBV infection rate among household contacts of HBsAg-positive persons was 14%. HBV testing and linkage to care can be achieved among hard-to-reach populations through partnerships with community organizations, health centers, and public health departments.

Long-Term Liver Disease, Treatment, and Mortality Outcomes Among 17,000 Persons Diagnosed with Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection

This report summarizes CHeCS results to date and updates the clinical experience among more than 17,000 current HCV cohort patients.

MMWR: Access to Syringe Services Programs - Kentucky, North Carolina, and West Virginia

Opioid overdose, human immunodeficiency virus, and viral hepatitis have increased among persons who inject drugs in the United States. This report discusses how comprehensive syringe services programs (SSPs) reduce risks associated with injection drug use (IDU); however, access to SSPs has been limited. SSPs have increased dramatically in Kentucky, North Carolina and West Virginia with support from government officials, community advocates, and healthcare providers. Comprehensive SSPs can mitigate the health effects of IDU. With appropriate authorization and support, agencies can successfully implement SSPs in underserved areas.

Recommendations of the ACIP for Use of a Hepatitis B Vaccine with a Novel Adjuvant

On February 21, 2018, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended Heplisav-B(HepB-CpG), a yeast-derived vaccine prepared with a novel adjuvant, administered as a 2-dose series (0, 1 month) for use in persons aged ≥18 years. The benefits of protection with 2 doses administered over 1 month make HepB-CpG an important option for prevention of HBV.