Who Should Receive a Hepatitis B Immunization?

Hepatitis B is a liver disease characterized by acute or chronic inflammation, caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). The condition is chronic and sometimes difficult to diagnose. But there’s a simple way to prevent hepatitis B by administering a vaccine that provides long-term immunization against the viral infection.

Hepatitis D requires a previous hepatitis B infection. So, we could say that the hepatitis B vaccine takes down two viruses: hepatitis B and hepatitis D. It provides direct immunity against the former and indirect protection against the latter.

Who should receive a hepatitis B immunization?

Hepatitis B immunization is routinely administered to many patients, especially if they are included in one of these groups:

  • Sexually active individuals with multiple sexual partners or those who look for evaluation for sexually transmitted diseases
  • Drug users who use injections and syringes
  • Healthcare professional and personnel, or anyone exposed to blood and other body fluids
  • HIV positive patients, diabetes patients, chronic liver disease patients, and in case of severe renal disease
  • Close contacts and sexual partners of individuals who are diagnosed with hepatitis B
  • Pregnant women at a high risk of hepatitis B
  • Individuals who are about to travel abroad to countries with a high incidence of hepatitis B

Written by Martin Davis