In
recognition of Hepatitis Awareness Month, Maine CDC is featuring a three-part
series on viral hepatitis in public health updates released in May.
Part 2: Hepatitis B Vaccination for
Adults with Diabetes Mellitus
CDC's
Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) now recommends hepatitis B
vaccination for all unvaccinated adults with diabetes who are younger than
60 years of age. Vaccination should occur as soon as possible after
diagnosis of diabetes, and vaccination should also be given to adults diagnosed
with diabetes in the past.
Vaccination
requires 3 doses at 0, 1, and 6 months, although other schedules are available.
Longer intervals between doses are possible so that it is not necessary for
patients to make extra medical visits for vaccination. However, longer
intervals will leave adults with diabetes at risk for hepatitis B infection
until the vaccination series is completed.
On the basis
of available information about hepatitis B virus (HBV) risk, morbidity and
mortality, available vaccines, age at diagnosis of diabetes, and
cost-effectiveness, ACIP recommends the following:
- Hepatitis B vaccination should be administered to unvaccinated adults with diabetes mellitus who are aged 19 through 59 years (recommendation category A; evidence type 2).
- Hepatitis B vaccination may be administered at the discretion of the treating clinician to unvaccinated adults with diabetes mellitus who are aged ≥60 years (recommendation category B; evidence type 2).
For more information:
- CDC Expert Commentary on Hepatitis B Vaccine for Adults with Diabetes
- Use of Hepatitis B Vaccination for Adults with Diabetes Mellitus: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)
- www.mainepublichealth.gov/hep
