Hepatitis A (HAV) deaths can be made preventable with vaccines. However, a new report from the CDC shows that many people who are eligible to receive the hepatitis A vaccine do not do so, even when indicated to need it due to pre-existing conditions.
in the most recent Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR)One study found that 63% of people who died from HAV had at least 1 documented indication for vaccination.1
The long-term study examined deaths related to HAV outbreaks between August 2016 and October 2022. The researchers used epidemiological data from 27 states and analyzed the data to describe the characteristics of 315 hepatitis A deaths.1
“Deaths occurred primarily among men, non-Hispanic whites, and those over 50 years of age,” investigators wrote. “Nearly two-thirds of the decedents had at least one documented sign of hepatitis A vaccination, including drug use, homelessness, or co-infection with hepatitis B virus or hepatitis C virus; however, only 12 of the decedents had vaccination There is evidence that hepatitis A vaccines have been passed, suggesting that they are missing out on preventing hepatitis A deaths.”1
Investigators said the death toll peaked in 2019 and then declined each year through 2022.1
what you need to know
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has found that a large number of people who die from hepatitis A (HAV) had pre-existing conditions that qualified them for the vaccine.
Most deaths occurred among men, non-Hispanic whites and people 50 years or older.
The report highlights the importance of increasing hepatitis A vaccination coverage, especially among high-risk groups. While the overall incidence of hepatitis A has declined in the United States, marginalized populations, such as drug users, the homeless, and people with chronic liver disease, remain at higher risk.
According to the CDC, the overall incidence of hepatitis A in the United States is declining significantly. 2 Public health officials attribute the decline to routine vaccinations, especially in states that have begun vaccinations.2
In the United States, hepatitis A vaccines are widely available as inactivated single-antigen vaccines (HAVRIX and VAQTA) or in combination with hepatitis B vaccines (TWINRIX).2 The CDC recommends vaccination for “children 12 months or older, travelers to endemic countries, homosexuals, illicit drug users, individuals with occupational exposures, and people with clotting factor disorders or chronic liver disease.” Standard adult dosage recommends two doses of vaccine, 6 to 12 months apart. These vaccines are highly effective, with seroconversion rates approaching 100%. “2
Continue to advocate for vaccination
according to millimeter wave radar Research shows that as of October this year, 34 states have declared the HAV epidemic over. Although the outbreak has subsided and the overall population incidence has declined, there is a small group of people who are at higher risk for hepatitis A infection. This is especially true for marginalized populations, which the researchers note include drug users, the homeless and people with chronic liver disease.
“Improving hepatitis A vaccination coverage is critical to sustain the progress made and prevent future hepatitis A deaths,” the researchers concluded.1
This article was originally published on Contagion Live.