Hepatitis B Vaccine Is Now Required for All Applicants from Birth Through 59 Years Old

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), which advises USCIS and CDC, recommends hepatitis B (HepB) immunization as follows.

• All children from birth to 18.
• Adults between the ages of 19 and 59.
• Adults aged 60 and over that have hepatitis B risk factors or are seeking protection despite not having documented risk factors.

Background of Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is an infectious, vaccine-preventable liver disease caused by Hepatitis B Virus (HBV). HBV is spread by exposure to infected blood or bodily fluids by skin puncture or by direct contact with mucous membranes. Since the introduction of the HepB vaccine in 1982, the number of reported hepatitis B cases has decreased significantly.

However, despite decreases in hepatitis B incidence over the last four decades, which were accomplished by an increased number of people receiving the HepB vaccine, progress in recent years on further decreasing acute hepatitis B infections has halted.

How Does the New HepB Vaccine Regulations Help in Reducing Hepatitis B Cases?

Over the last four decades, Hepatitis B (HepB) vaccinations have proved to be safe, immunogenic, and effective. However, adult vaccine coverage has been inadequate, limiting future reductions in hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections in the United States. The new guideline broadens the age range for universal HepB immunization to include people aged 19–59 years. Removing the risk factor evaluation previously advised to establish vaccine eligibility in this age group can boost vaccination coverage and reduce hepatitis B infections.