The underestimated risk of hepatitis A and hepatitis B: benefits of an accelerated vaccination schedule.

Author(s): Keystone JS, Hershey JH

Affiliation(s): Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Tropical Disease Unit, Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5G 2C4, Canada. jay.keystone@utoronto.ca

Publication date & source: 2008-01, Int J Infect Dis., 12(1):3-11. Epub 2007 Jul 20.

Publication type: Review

Hepatitis A virus (HAV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) are vaccine-preventable. Current recommendations advocate vaccination of non-immune adults at risk of exposure, including travelers to HAV or HBV endemic areas, individuals with high risk of contracting a sexually transmitted infection, and some correctional facility inmates. We review the use of an accelerated schedule to administer the combination hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccine (Twinrix). Administering three doses over three weeks and a fourth at 12 months provides rapid initial protection of most individuals for whom the standard 6-month vaccination schedule would not be suitable, including last-minute travelers and short-term correctional facility inmates. Furthermore, we consider the role of a universal vaccination strategy in preventing the spread of HAV and HBV.