Thursday, May 16, 2013

Hepatitis B Vaccination for Adults with Diabetes



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: