Should hepatitis B vaccine be used for infants?

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Immunology
• Public Health

Background:

• Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a leading cause of liver cirrhosis and cancer, often with asymptomatic initial infection and delayed diagnosis.
• The public health significance of HBV is underestimated due to the long asymptomatic period before severe liver disease manifestation.
• Hepatitis B vaccines have been available for over two decades and are proven safe and effective.

Purpose of the Study:

• To underscore the under-recognized public health importance of chronic hepatitis B virus infection.
• To address safety concerns regarding vaccine preservatives and evaluate the evidence.
• To advocate for universal infant immunization as the most effective control strategy for HBV.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing scientific evidence on hepatitis B vaccine safety and efficacy.
• Analysis of the long-term health and economic consequences of chronic HBV infection.
• Evaluation of global immunization strategies and their impact.

Main Results:

• Current evidence does not support an association between the hepatitis B vaccine and serious adverse events.
• Universal infant immunization is the most effective strategy for controlling HBV infection.
• The cost-effectiveness of infant vaccination is high, considering the substantial costs of treating HBV-related liver disease.

Conclusions:

• Hepatitis B vaccination is safe and effective, with no proven links to serious adverse consequences.
• Universal infant immunization is recommended to prevent long-term complications like liver cancer and cirrhosis.
• The low cost of vaccination and high cost of treatment support widespread infant hepatitis B immunization programs.