Universal Infant Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Vaccination for 35 Years: Moving Toward the Eradication of HBV
Journal
The Journal of Infectious Diseases
Journal Volume
225
Journal Issue
3
Pages
431
Date Issued
2022-02-01
Author(s)
Abstract
A universal hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccination program has been implemented in Taiwan since 1984. A total of 1611 individuals in Taipei were enrolled to monitor long-term efficacy. The prevalences of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis B core antibody in the vaccinated birth cohort were lower than in those born before 1984 (0.4% vs 7.7%, and 2.2% vs 50.8%, respectively; P < .0001). Three vaccine-failure carriers all were born to HBsAg-carrier mothers, probably due to no antiviral intervention during pregnancy. Occult HBV infection was rare in the postvaccination era. High vaccination coverage, comprehensive HBV screening, and antiviral agents for pregnant mothers will be essential to eliminate HBV transmission.
Subjects
hepatitis B; mother-to-infant transmission; occult HBV infection; vaccination
SDGs
Publisher
OXFORD UNIV PRESS INC
Type
journal article