ACIP review of the hepatitis B birth dose vaccination remains a grave concern - Please read more here.

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  • Learn Which Cancer, Arthritis or Asthma Drugs Can Reactivate Hepatitis B – Even If You’ve Cleared the Infection

    Courtesy of Pixabay. By Christine Kukka Drugs that suppress your immune system in order to treat cancers, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, COPD and asthma can cause a life-threatening reactivation of your hepatitis B. This dangerous viral rebound can occur if you are currently infected or even if you cleared the infection and now test negative for the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and positive for the surface antibody (HBsAb). These drugs weaken the immune system, which allows your infection to rebound with a vengeance, spiking your viral load and causing life-threatening liver damage within weeks of starting chemotherapy or high-dose steroids. What's behind this reactivation risk? Think herpes or chicken pox (shingles). You might get rid of the infections and the ugly blisters, but small amounts of virus remain and as we age and our immune systems weaken, they can reappear. The hepatitis B virus (HBV) behaves similarly. When we lose HBsAg and/or develop surface antibodies, there are still small amounts of HBV lurking in our bodies. When we’re healthy, our immune systems effectively contain these trace amounts of virus, but old age, another serious medical condition or immune-suppressing drugs allow hepatitis B to reactivate. Today, medical guidelines require doctors to test everyone they plan to treat with any immune-suppressing drugs for the hepatitis B core antibody (HBcAb) so they know who has been infected with hepatitis B. If a patient tests positive, doctors must run more tests to determine what risk the new drug will pose. When a patient is at risk of reactivation, doctors will simultaneously treat them with antivirals (either tenofovir or entecavir) and continue antiviral treatment for six more months after the immune-suppressing therapy ends to prevent reactivation. U.S. CDC. This mandatory testing is important because some people don’t know they should tell their doctors about their past infection, and many don’t know they’re infected. Here

    http://www.hepb.org/blog/learn-cancer-arthritis-asthma-drugs-can-reactivate-hepatitis-b-even-youve-cleared-infection/
  • When Can Hepatitis B Patients Stop Taking Antivirals? Experts Finally Have Some Answers

    Image courtesy of foto76 at FreeDigitalPhotos.net By Christine Kukka With the help of antivirals, many patients today have undetectable viral load (HBV DNA), a relatively healthy liver and cleared the hepatitis B "e" antigen (HBeAg). So when can they consider stopping their daily entecavir or tenofovir pill? For years, experts have admitted the endgame of antiviral treatment has been “ill-defined.” While antivirals reduce viral load and the risk of liver damage, they rarely cure people. Recently, after years of observing patients and with the help of better diagnostic tools, experts are getting better at identifying when might be safe to stop. Historically, in addition to reducing viral load to undetectable levels, the goals of antiviral treatment were: Triggering HBeAg seroconversion: About 21 percent of HBeAg-positive patients with liver damage treated with either tenofovir or entecavir for 12 months are able to lose the hepatitis B “e” antigen (HBeAg) and develop the “e” antibody (HBeAb). This HBeAg “seroconversion” indicates the immune system is fighting the infection and slowing viral replication. And reducing liver damage and even clearing the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg): About 1-3 percent of patients treated with antivirals lose HBsAg after years of treatment. This is called a "functional cure." Unfortunately, if you have HBeAg-negative hepatitis B, only 1-2 percent of you will lose HBsAg after five to eight years of antiviral treatment.* If you are among the lucky few who achieve HBeAg seroconversion or clear HBsAg, when is it safe to stop your daily antiviral? Here are the newest guidelines detailing when it may be safe to stop from the 2017 European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL). Image courtesy of Taoty at FreeDigitalPhotos.net When is it safe to stop antivirals after you’ve achieved HBeAg seroconversion? Stop too early, and HBeAg can reappear. EASL recommend non-cirrhotic patients who experience HBeAg

    http://www.hepb.org/blog/can-hepatitis-b-patients-stop-taking-antivirals-experts-finally-answers/
  • Ten Things Women and Mothers Can Do to Combat Hepatitis B

    Image courtesy of David Castillo Dominici at FreeDigitalPhotos.net. By Christine Kukka Don’t know your hepatitis B status? Get tested. Worldwide an estimated 90 percent of people with chronic hepatitis B don’t know they’re infected.  In the U.S. only 25% are aware of their infection. Unfortunately, many doctors won’t test you for hepatitis B unless you request the test. If you or your parents come from or live in a country with high rates of hepatitis B, or if you’ve been sexually active or have other risk factors , get tested. It could save your life. Get tested for sexually-transmitted infections (STIs). More than half of us will have an STI in our lifetime, and in the U.S. about half of new hepatitis B infections are sexually-transmitted. Many doctors don’t test for STIs. In a national survey of U.S. physicians, fewer than one-third routinely screened patients for STIs. To make matters worse, many women are afraid to talk to doctors about their sexual history and STI risk. Be brave, ask your doctor to test you for STIs and hepatitis B if you think you are at risk. Photo by Amanda Mills of CDC. Get immunized against hepatitis B. Not sure if you’ve been immunized during childhood? Tell your healthcare provider and get tested and immunized. Even if you were vaccinated in the past, getting a second vaccine series won’t harm you. If your partner has hepatitis B, getting vaccinated is critical to protect your health. Get tested first. Practice safe sex until you have received all three shots. About one to two months after your third shot, get tested for the hepatitis B surface antibody (called titers). If you have at least 10 mIU/mL of surface antibodies, you are permanently protected against this serious liver disease. Infected? In Love? Disclose. When you disclose your hepatitis B status before sex – even if it’s safe sex with a condom – you don’t jeopardize your partner’s health or his/her trust in you. Talking about hepatitis B helps

    http://www.hepb.org/blog/ten-things-women-mothers-can-combat-hepatitis-b/
  • Advocate Nadine Shiroma Champions Civil Rights for All Affected by Hepatitis B

    Nadine Shiroma and her grandchild. By Nadine Shiroma I am a retiree and volunteer working to address hepatitis B discrimination, which involves a serious, relatively unknown chronic disease that impacts Asian-American and Pacific Islander American (AAPIA) immigrants and refugees who are often isolated by culture and language, which makes this discrimination especially egregious. As a fifth-generation AAPIA, I’d heard of hepatitis B but was not aware that it leads to cirrhosis or liver cancer or that AAPIAs make up 50 percent of the country’s estimated 2 million hepatitis B cases, but represent less than 5 percent of the U.S. population. These facts came into sharp focus in 2010, when a college senior was devastated to learn she would not be permitted to enroll in a healthcare program due to her chronic hepatitis B. Nothing in the school’s admissions policy or information published by the profession’s national admissions coordinating agency had prepared the student for this. When the student informed me that an older friend with hepatitis B was completing a similar healthcare program at a different institution, I advised her to challenge her school’s exclusion policy. The issue raised many questions that called for research and consultation with hepatitis B specialists and community health and civil rights advocates to find out how and why schools were permitted to have such different hepatitis B policies. I also sought to compare various institutional policies with their respective state licensing laws for providers with hepatitis B. Fortunately, I was referred to an attorney who had an understanding of the disease who challenged the school’s exclusion policy. This led to the school’s implementation of a new, progressive policy for students with chronic hepatitis B. Though gratified with the outcome for this student, I feared other students with hepatitis B would face similar discrimination, because too many medical school policies barring enrollment

    http://www.hepb.org/blog/advocate-nadine-shiroma-champions-civil-rights-affected-hepatitis-b/
  • How to Find a Liver Specialist Who Really Knows Hepatitis B

    Image courtesy of stockimages at FreeDigitalPhotos.net By Christine Kukka If you have chronic hepatitis B or are newly-diagnosed, it’s important to see a liver specialist who has experience with hepatitis B. Having a specialist with hepatitis B expertise on your team not only safeguards your health, it also lessens the stress of having a chronic liver disease. "My specialist gave me all the possible scenarios, but most importantly, he gave me my life back," one hepatitis B patient recalled. When first diagnosed, it’s often a primary health provider (PCP) or for children a pediatrician who gets the test results and calls to break the news. Doctors may run additional blood tests and/or immediately refer you to a liver specialist. They may recommend a specialist who accepts your insurance or practices in the same healthcare system, but you may have to do some research to find the best specialist to treat your hepatitis B. There are two types of specialists who treat liver diseases: A gastroenterologist is an internist who has trained in digestive disorders including the liver, but how much liver expertise a gastroenterologist (GI doctor) has varies based on their training. It’s important to find out if they specialize in liver diseases. A hepatologist is a physician who specializes in the liver. This doctor has the most expertise and should be up-to-date about new treatments and clinical trials. But not all hepatologists have treated hepatitis B. Many will have treated hepatitis C, but not hepatitis B, so you need to ask. Tips for finding a specialist: Are they in the Hepatitis B Foundation directory? The foundation has a Physician Directory of liver specialists who treat hepatitis B around the world. These doctors have voluntarily signed up  for the database. It is not an exhaustive list, there may be hepatitis B specialists in your area who have not yet joined the directory. Call the practice ahead of time and ask questions. How many hepatitis B patients

    http://www.hepb.org/blog/find-liver-specialist-knows-hepatitis-b/
  • Many more U.S. adults to get vaccinated against hepatitis B following move by U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

    The Hepatitis B Foundation and partners are forming an advisory council to promote implementation of theCDC’s new universal hepatitis B vaccination recommendations. Doylestown, Pa., April 1, 2022 – The Hepatitis B Foundation enthusiastically endorses the adoption of new adult vaccination guidelines for hepatitis B by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Foundation is organizing a group of experts to help with implementation to ensure millions more U.S. adults get vaccinated against the dangerous virus. The CDC has adopted formally the landmark recommendations that came last November from its Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) in favor of universal hepatitis B vaccination for all adults ages 19 to 59 in the U.S. The CDC made the announcement in the April 1, 2022, edition of its Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR). “This is a major step forward that the Hepatitis B Foundation had strongly advocated for over many years,” said Chari Cohen, DrPH, MPH, senior vice president of the Foundation. “These greatly expanded and simplified recommendations will improve access and make it easier to protect millions more Americans from hepatitis B. This will save countless lives and ultimately reduce health care costs.”     Dr. Chari Cohen The Hepatitis B Foundation will be convening a National Hepatitis B Vaccination Advisory Council, which will meet for the first time later this month, comprised of representatives of federal agencies, professional associations, public health organizations and health care providers. Dr. Chari Cohen and Rita K. Kuwahara, MD, MIH, internal medicine physician and primary care health policy fellow at Georgetown University, will be the co-chairs. The advisory council’s purpose is to develop implementation strategies, informational materials and tools, for dissemination to providers and public health educators nationwide. In the U.S., up to 2.4 million people are chronically infected with hepatitis B and thousands of people die each year from the infection. People living with untreated chronic hepatitis B have a 25% to 40% lifetime risk of developing liver cancer, which is a highly lethal disease. Previously, hepatitis B immunization recommendations were based on a person’s risk factors, which Dr. Cohen said was stigmatizing, inefficient and burdensome to providers and patients. Currently, only 30% of adults in the U.S. have been vaccinated against hepatitis B. In the past 10 years, rates of acute hepatitis B in the U.S. have steadily increased, especially among those age 40 and older. Universal vaccination initiatives are widely recognized in helping to reduce morbidity from viruses. The Hepatitis B Foundation worked hard to help make the ACIP aware of the need for universal hepatitis B vaccination. The Foundation mobilized its team of advocates and supporters to make their voices heard through an online petition, organizational sign-on letter and public comments.  Michaela Jackson, MS, MPH, prevention policy manager at the Hepatitis B Foundation, led its advocacy effort for universal vaccination, and she expressed the Foundation’s great appreciation to the ACIP. “It has been frustrating to watch rates of infection rise when we know that there is a safe and effective vaccine that can prevent hepatitis B and liver cancer,” Jackson said. “This recommendation will help remedy a very significant health inequity for marginalized groups and it will serve to make many adults in the U.S. safer.” The Hepatitis B Foundation’s officials expressed disappointment that the ACIP’s recommendation was not as inclusive as it could have been, stopping short of people older than 59, and pledged to continue advocating for greater access to hepatitis B vaccinations in the U.S. According to the Hepatitis B Foundation, the CDC’s simplified, updated recommendation will go a long way toward improving vaccination rates and protecting adults in the U.S. What the recommendation means: All adults aged 19-59 can receive the HBV vaccination with no cost-sharing. Those who are 60 and older who wish to receive the hepatitis B vaccine but have no identified risk factors may still have to pay for the vaccine based upon insurance coverage. Financial and other systematic barriers to vaccine access will be eliminated for many adults. Access to the hepatitis B vaccine will increase; more providers will offer the vaccine, and it will be easier to get vaccinated. Health insurance coverage for the vaccine will improve. Progress toward our shared goal of eliminating viral hepatitis in the U.S. by 2030 will accelerate. Health disparities and new hepatitis B infections will be reduced. Why is universal vaccination being recommended now? As many as 60 million Americans spanning three generations–Baby Boomers, Gen X, and some Millennials–were born before the recommendations for universal infant vaccination in 1991 and may not be protected against hepatitis B. Many people who have been infected do not have clear risk factors or may not be aware of the risk, and almost 85% of adults in the U.S. fall into a higher-risk group, including those with diabetes and kidney disease. Hepatitis B cases in the U.S. rose by 11% between 2014 and 2018 despite the presence of highly effective vaccines. Hepatitis B is one of the primary causes of liver cancer, one of the deadliest cancers, and it is a completely preventable disease; the need for universal vaccination can no longer be ignored. About Hepatitis B: The most common serious liver infection in the world, it is caused by the hepatitis B virus, which attacks and injures the liver. As many as 840,000 people die from hepatitis B worldwide, even though it is preventable and treatable. Hepatitis B is a “silent epidemic” because most people do not have symptoms when they are newly or chronically infected. Thus, they can unknowingly infect others and continue the spread of hepatitis B. For people who are chronically infected but don’t have any symptoms, their livers are still being damaged silently, which can develop into serious liver disease such as cirrhosis or liver cancer. About the Hepatitis B Foundation: We are the nation’s leading nonprofit organization solely dedicated to finding a cure for hepatitis B and improving the quality of life for those affected worldwide through research, education and patient advocacy. Founded in 1991, the Hepatitis B Foundation is based in Doylestown, Pa., with an office in Washington, D.C. To learn more, go to www.hepb.org and www.hepb30years.org, read our blog at hepb.org/blog, follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook (@hepbfoundation) or call us at 215-489-4900. To donate, contact Jean Holmes at 215-489-4900 or jean.holmes@hepb.org.

    https://www.hepb.org/news-and-events/news-2/many-more-u-s-adults-to-get-vaccinated-against-hepatitis-b-following-move-by-u-s-centers-for-disease-control-and-prevention-cdc/
  • Korean

    단 하나 문서로 영어로 전체 한국 장을, 인쇄하는 것은 전망하거나 여기에서 누른다. To view or print the entire Korean Chapter, as a single document click here. B형 간염 재단 웹사이트의 한국어 페이지에 오신 것을 환영합니다 B형 간염은 소리 없는 질병으로 알려져 있으며, 대부분의 사람이 감염된 것조차 인지하지 못합니다. 이 웹사이트는 B형 간염의 예방, 진단 및 관리에 대한 정보를 담고 있습니다. 저희 재단에서는 이러한 정보를 친구, 가족 및 지역사회 일원과 공유할 것을 권장합니다. 다음은 B형 간염에 대해 알아두셔야 할 중요한 정보입니다. B형 간염은 유전되는 것이 아니라 바이러스에 의해 발병됩니다. 
 평생 B형 간염을 예방할 수 있는 안전한 백신이 있습니다. 
 B형 간염을 진단할 수 있는 단순 혈액 검사가 있습니다. 
 다양한 치료법이 있습니다. B형 간염은 전 세계적인 질병입니다B형 간염은 나이나 인종과 관계없이 누구나 감염될 수 있으나 아시아, 아프리카 및 남아메리카 일부, 동유럽 및 중동처럼 B형 간염이 흔한 일부 지역에서는 감염 위험이 더욱 큽니다. 또한, 이러한 지역에서 출생한(또는 부모가 해당 지역에서 출생한) 미국인도 B형 간염에 흔히 걸립니다. 전 세계적으로 B형 간염에 걸린 사람은 수억 명입니다. 대부분의 사람은 감염된 것조차 알지 못하고 증상도 없지만, 여러분이 알아두셔야 할 중요한 정보가 있습니다. B형 간염 검사는 생명을 구할 수 있습니다. B형 간염이 있는 것을 알게 되면 간 건강을 유지하기 위한 생활방식을 선택할 수 있고 바이러스 관리와 간 손상 예방을 위해 의사의 진료를 받을 수 있습니다. B형 간염 재단은 연구, 교육과 환자의 권리 옹호를 통해 치료약을 발견하고 전 세계적으로 B형 간염에 걸린 모든 이의 삶의 질을 개선하는데 전념하고 있는 미국 비영리 단체입니다. 면책 고지: 이 웹사이트에서 제공하는 정보는 교육만을 목적으로 합니다. B형 간염 재단은 의료 기관이 아닙니다. 개인 의료 서비스 및 조언은 의사 또는 자격이 있는 의료 서비스 제공자와 상담하십시오. Welcome to the Korean Chapter of the Hepatitis B Foundation Website Hepatitis B is known as a silent disease, and most people don’t even know they are infected. This website contains information about preventing, diagnosing and managing hepatitis B. We encourage you to share this information with your friends, family and others in your community. Here are some important things to remember about hepatitis B: Hepatitis B is not inherited - it is caused by a virus. 
 There is a safe vaccine which will protect you from hepatitis B for life. 
 There is a simple blood test to diagnose hepatitis B. 
 There are treatment options. Hepatitis B is a Global DiseaseHepatitis B can infect any person of any age or ethnicity, but people from parts of the world where hepatitis B is common, such as Asia, parts of Africa and South America, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East, are at much higher risk for getting infected. Hepatitis B is also common among Americans who were born (or whose parents were born) in these regions. There are hundreds of millions of people worldwide who have hepatitis B. Most people don’t even know they are infected, and don’t have symptoms – but there are many important things you should know. Getting tested for hepatitis B can save your life. If you know you have hepatitis B, you can make lifestyle choices to keep your liver healthy and you can see a doctor to help manage the virus and prevent liver damage. The Hepatitis B Foundation is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to finding a cure and helping to improve the quality of life for all those affected by hepatitis B worldwide through research, education and patient advocacy. Disclaimer: The information that is provided on this website is for educational purposes only. The Hepatitis B Foundation is not a medical organization. Please talk to your doctor or a qualified health care provider for personal medical care and advice.

    https://www.hepb.org/languages/korean/
  • Japanese

    B型肝炎財団ウェブサイトの日本語版へようこそ！ B型肝炎は自覚症状のない病気とも呼ばれ、ほとんどの人々は感染していることさえ気づいていません。このウェブサイトには、B型肝炎の予防、診断、治療に関する情報が含まれています。皆さんがこの情報を友人、ご家族、その他ご近所の方々と共有されることをお勧めします。B型肝炎について知っておくべき重要な事項がいくつかあります： B型肝炎は遺伝ではなく、ウイルスが原因でかかる病気です。 
 B型肝炎から命を守る安全なワクチンがあります。 
 B型肝炎を診断する簡単な血液検査があります。 
 治療には複数の方法があります。 B型肝炎は世界的な病気 B型肝炎は年齢や民族に関係なく感染することでかかる病気ですが、特にアジア、アフリカや南アフリカの一部、東ヨーロッパ、中東に住む人々は感染するリスクが高くなっています。また、B型肝炎はこれらの地域で生まれた（または両親がこれらの地域で生まれた）アメリカ人にもよく見られます。 B型肝炎にかかっている人は全世界に数億人もいますが、ほとんどの人々は自分が感染していることさえ知らず、自覚症状もありません。ですから、皆さんが知っておくべき多くの重要な事項があり、B型肝炎のテストを受けることが命を救うことにつながります。B型肝炎にかかっていることを知ることで、肝臓を健康に保つライフスタイルを選んだり、医師の診察を受けてウイルスを管理し、肝臓障害を防ぐことができます。 B型肝炎財団は米国の非営利団体で、研究、教育、患者の支援を通じ、世界中のB型肝炎に感染している人々のために治療法を見つけたり、生活の質を改善する取り組みを行っています。 免責事項：本ウェブサイトに含まれる情報は、教育目的のためのみに提供されます。B型肝炎財団は医療機関ではありません。個人の医療や助言については、主治医や医療機関にご相談ください。 Welcome to the Japanese Chapter of the Hepatitis B Foundation Website! Hepatitis B is known as a silent disease, and most people don’t even know they are infected. This website contains information about preventing, diagnosing and managing hepatitis B. We encourage you to share this information with your friends, family and others in your community. Here are some important things to remember about hepatitis B: Hepatitis B is not inherited - it is caused by a virus. 
 There is a safe vaccine which will protect you from hepatitis B for life. 
 There is a simple blood test to diagnose hepatitis B. 
 There are treatment options. Hepatitis B is a Global Disease Hepatitis B can infect any person of any age or ethnicity, but people from parts of the world where hepatitis B is common, such as Asia, parts of Africa and South America, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East, are at much higher risk for getting infected. Hepatitis B is also common among Americans who were born (or whose parents were born) in these regions. There are hundreds of millions of people worldwide who have hepatitis B. Most people don’t even know they are infected, and don’t have symptoms – but there are many important things you should know. Getting tested for hepatitis B can save your life. If you know you have hepatitis B, you can make lifestyle choices to keep your liver healthy and you can see a doctor to help manage the virus and prevent liver damage. The Hepatitis B Foundation is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to finding a cure and helping to improve the quality of life for all those affected by hepatitis B worldwide through research, education and patient advocacy. Disclaimer: The information that is provided on this website is for educational purposes only. The Hepatitis B Foundation is not a medical organization. Please talk to your doctor or a qualified health care provider for personal medical care and advice. 

    https://www.hepb.org/languages/japanese/

  • 击点这里阅读或打印中文主页的全部内容 击点这里免费下载Adobe Acrobat 阅读软件 To view or print the entire Chinese Chapter in English, as a single document click here. If you do not have Adobe Acrobat Reader, download it here for free. 欢迎光临乙型肝炎基金会简体中文网站 福建人患肝癌人数多 孟昭文普及防癌知识（图） 乙型肝炎被认为是一种无声的疾病，大多数人甚至不知道自己受感染。本网站包含了关于预防、诊断和控制乙型肝炎的信息。我们鼓励您与您的朋友、家人和社区中的其它人士分享这一信息。这是一些需要记住的关于乙型肝炎的重要事宜： 乙型肝炎并不是遗传性的，而是由病毒引起的。 
 已有可以保护您终身远离乙型肝炎的安全疫苗。 
 仅需简单的验血即可诊断乙型肝炎。 
 有若干种治疗方案可供选择。 乙型肝炎是一种全球性疾病乙型肝炎可以感染任何年龄或种族的任何人，但是来自世界上乙型肝炎较为常见的部分地区（如亚洲、非洲和南美洲部分地区、东欧以及中东）的人，受感染的风险要高得多。出生（或其父母出生）在这些地区的美国人中，乙型肝炎也较为常见。 全世界有数亿人患乙型肝炎。大多数人甚至不知道自己已受感染，也没有症状——但是有许多重要事宜您应该知道。接受乙型肝炎测试可以挽救您的生命。如果您知道自己患有乙型肝炎，您可以选择保持您的肝脏健康的生活方式，您可以看医生来帮助控制病毒，防止肝脏损伤。 乙型肝炎基金会 (Hepatitis B Foundation) 是一个全国性的非营利性组织，致力于通过研究、教育和患者倡导，为全世界所有受乙型肝炎影响的人士找寻治愈方法，帮助他们改善生活质量。 免责声明：本网站提供的信息仅限教育用途。乙型肝炎基金会并非医疗机构。请与您的医生或合格的卫生保健提供者沟通，以获得个人医疗保健和建议。 Welcome to the Chinese Chapter of the Hepatitis B Foundation Website Click here for a recent story from China Press. (May 2018) Hepatitis B is known as a silent disease, and most people don’t even know they are infected. This website contains information about preventing, diagnosing and managing hepatitis B. We encourage you to share this information with your friends, family and others in your community. Here are some important things to remember about hepatitis B: Hepatitis B is not inherited - it is caused by a virus. 
 There is a safe vaccine which will protect you from hepatitis B for life. 
 There is a simple blood test to diagnose hepatitis B. 
 There are treatment options. Hepatitis B is a Global DiseaseHepatitis B can infect any person of any age or ethnicity, but people from parts of the world where hepatitis B is common, such as Asia, parts of Africa and South America, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East, are at much higher risk for getting infected. Hepatitis B is also common among Americans who were born (or whose parents were born) in these regions. There are hundreds of millions of people worldwide who have hepatitis B. Most people don’t even know they are infected, and don’t have symptoms – but there are many important things you should know. Getting tested for hepatitis B can save your life. If you know you have hepatitis B, you can make lifestyle choices to keep your liver healthy and you can see a doctor to help manage the virus and prevent liver damage. The Hepatitis B Foundation is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to finding a cure and helping to improve the quality of life for all those affected by hepatitis B worldwide through research, education and patient advocacy. Disclaimer: The information that is provided on this website is for educational purposes only. The Hepatitis B Foundation is not a medical organization. Please talk to your doctor or a qualified health care provider for personal medical care and advice.

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  • COVID-19 Update

            On Dec. 16, 2021, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) endorsed a recommendation by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) for preferred use of mRNA vaccines over the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine. This means that in the U.S., mRNA vaccines (Pfizer and Moderna) will be the preferred vaccination for most adults. If you have any questions, talk to your health care provider about which vaccine option is best for you. Learn more about the recommendation here.                 The National Foundation for Infectious Diseases published a blog post on May 20 by Kate Moraras, MPH, who is deputy director, public health, of the Hepatitis B Foundation, titled, "The impact of COVID-19 on people living with hepatitis B." You can read it here.         On May 18, The Global Hepatology Society, which is composed of the major professional clinical liver societies around the globe, released the statement below, encouraging people with liver disease to be vaccinated for COVID-19. The Global Hepatology Society includes: American Association for the Study of Liver Disease (AASLD), European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL), ALEH (Latin American Association for the Study of the Liver) and The Asian Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver (APASL). Global Hepatology Society Statement Vaccination for SARS-CoV-2 in Patients with Liver Disease         As global societies committed to helping patients with liver disease, we have been closely monitoring developments related to the SARS-CoV-2 virus and its impact on those in our care. It is for this reason that we four societies have taken the following positions around COVID-19 vaccination: We strongly recommend that all patients with liver disease (viral and non-viral disease, including fatty liver) undergo immunization with any authorized COVID-19 vaccine that is offered to them. We recommend that patients with advanced chronic liver disease, liver cancer, and those post-liver transplant should be prioritized for vaccination for SARS-CoV-2. Whilst the vaccine trials have not comprehensively evaluated safety in patients with chronic liver disease, there are no data to suggest that COVID-19 vaccines cause any adverse outcomes in this group of patients, including organ rejection or flares of autoimmune disease. Only by achieving global coverage can we succeed in our battle against SARS-CoV-2. We therefore encourage governments to ensure vaccines are distributed to low- and middle-income countries to provide equitable access. Statement on COVID-19 from the Hepatitis B Foundation  Scientific and Medical Advisory Board to the Hepatitis B Community Vaccination is key to preventing spread and reducing serious illness and death due to COVID-19. We encourage all those within the hepatitis B community to talk with their clinical care providers about getting vaccinated. Please read more here.   World Health Organization (WHO) advice, including vaccines that have met the WHO criteria for safety and efficacy, is posted here. COVID-19 Treatment and Liver DiseaseThere are treatments approved for COVID-19, which can lessen the severity of COVID-19 illness. The treatments are primarily for people who are at increased risk of severe illness if they get COVID-19 infection. If you have hepatitis B and/or liver disease, please talk to your health care provider before taking any COVID-19 treatment. Some COVID-19 treatments can cause liver damage, and in someone who already has hepatitis B and/or liver disease (such as cirrhosis or liver cancer), this can be more dangerous. If a doctor is considering prescribing you treatment for COVID-19, please tell them about your hepatitis B infection/liver disease, to prevent additional liver damage. The doctor can then monitor your liver for as long as you take COVID-19 treatment. Professional Liver Disease Resources and Statements AASLD has released an expert panel consensus statement “Vaccines to prevent COVID-19 infection in patients with liver disease.” They also have a robust patient resource page, offering information and webinars for people with viral hepatitis and liver disease. EASL has released a policy statement on COVID-19 vaccination for people with liver disease or liver transplantation. EASL also has a webpage with internal and external resources and published a position paper in August 2020, “Impact of COVID-19 on the care of patients with liver disease.”   COVID-19 Vaccine Information Resources AASLD COVID-19 Vaccine Recommendations for Patients with Liver Disease  CDC mRNA Vaccine Overview CDC Vaccine Development and Rollout Information Pfizer Vaccine Information on Moderna Vaccine Information on Janssen/J&J Vaccine Information on AstraZeneca Vaccine Global Vaccine Tracker of All COVID-19 Vaccines in Clinical Trial and Approved   Research Studies on COVID-19 and Liver Disease Choe JW, Jung YK, Yim HJ, Seo GH. Clinical Effect of Hepatitis B Virus on COVID-19 Infected Patients: A Nationwide Population-Based Study Using the Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service Database. J Korean Med Sci. 2022 Jan 24;37(4):e29. doi: 10.3346/jkms.2022.37.e29.  Chen L, Huang S, Yang J, Cheng X, Shang Z, Lu H, Cheng J. Clinical characteristics in patients with SARS-CoV-2/HBV co-infection. Journal of Viral Hepatitis 2020 Dec;27(12):1504-1507. Epub 2020 Aug 16.  Chen X, Jiang Q, Ma Z, Ling J, Hu W, Cao Q, Mo P, Yao L, Yang R, Gao S, Gui X, Hou W, Xiong Y, Li J, Zhang Y. Clinical Characteristics of Hospitalized Patients with SARS-CoV-2 and Hepatitis B Virus Co-infection. Virologica Sinica 2020 Aug 24:1–4. Epub ahead of print. John BV, Deng Y, Scheinberg A, et al. Association of BNT162b2 mRNA and mRNA-1273 Vaccines With COVID-19 Infection and Hospitalization Among Patients With Cirrhosis. JAMA Intern Med. Published online July 13, 2021.  Lin Y, Yuan J, Long Q, Hu J, Deng H, Zhao Z, Chen J, Lu M, Huang A. Patients with SARS-CoV-2 and HBV co-infection are at risk of greater liver injury. Genes & Diseases 2020 Nov 18. Epub ahead of print. Liu J, Wang T, Cai Q, Sun L, Huang D, Zhou G, He Q, Wang FS, Liu L, Chen J. Longitudinal changes of liver function and hepatitis B reactivation in COVID-19 patients with pre-existing chronic hepatitis B virus infection. Hepatology Research 2020 Nov;50(11):1211-1221. Epub 2020 Aug 29. Liu R, Zhao L, Cheng X, Huan H, Li C, Li D, Liu A, Gao G, Zhou F, Liu F, Jiang Y, Zhu C, Xia Y. Clinical Characteristics of COVID-19 Patients with Hepatitis B Virus Infection - a Retrospective Study. Liver International 2020 Dec 22. Epub ahead of print.  Marjot T, Webb GJ, Barritt AS 4th, Moon AM, Stamataki Z, Wong VW, Barnes E. COVID-19 and liver disease: mechanistic and clinical perspectives. Nature Reviews Gastroenterology &  Hepatology 2021 Mar 10:1–17. doi: 10.1038/s41575-021-00426-4. Epub ahead of print. Rodríguez-Tajes S, Miralpeix A, Costa J, López-Suñé E, Laguno M, Pocurull A, Lens S, Mariño Z, Forns X. Low risk of hepatitis B reactivation in patients with severe COVID-19 who receive immunosuppressive therapy. Journal of Viral Hepatitis 2021 Jan;28(1):89-94. Epub 2020 Oct 12. Zou X, Fang M, Li S, Wu L, Gao B, Gao H, Ran X, Bian Y, Li R, ShanshanYu, Ling J, Li D, Tian D, Huang J. Characteristics of Liver Function in Patients With SARS-CoV-2 and Chronic HBV Coinfection. Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology 2020 Jun 15:S1542-3565(20)30821-1. Epub ahead of print.    Additional Resources The World Hepatitis Alliance has a hub of resources for those living with viral hepatitis and are concerned with the impact COVID-19 has on their health and access to testing and treatment services. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has an informational page: What You Need to Know About Liver Disease and COVID-19 Hepatitis Australia - A timely fact sheet with Information about COVID-19 for people living with chronic HBV and HCV has been posted by a coalition of organizations in Australia called Hepatitis Australia.  Hepatitis B and C Virus Considerations in COVID-19, Infectious Disease Advisor - 7/15/20  Hep B and COVID-19: Resources for Individuals and Healthcare Workers, Hepatitis B Foundation Blog, 4/8/20   What We Are Doing The Hepatitis B Foundation is rapidly responding to requests for information from people around the world living with hepatitis B. We continue to take phone, email and social media requests to help people with hepatitis B and liver disease make informed decisions about COVID-19 vaccination. We are trying to provide the latest information and data, so please check this website often for new updates, or contact us if you have specific questions. We are also proactively advocating for our communities. In February 2021, we started an advocacy campaign, including a public statement and online petition, urging companies with clinical trials for COVID-19 vaccines to include people with hepatitis B and liver disease, and to make sub-group data publicly available. To include your voice, you can sign this petition now! Out of an abundance of caution, and in line with state and federal recommendations, the Hepatitis B Foundation staff is currently teleworking indefinitely and monitoring the COVID-19 situation daily. We are 100% business as usual, with a few notable exceptions: We are restricting visitors to our physical location and following all state and federal recommendations to keep our staff and community healthy. We are postponing all community events and switching scheduled in-person meetings to remote when possible. We are still responding to telephone calls to our helpline, but you will need to leave a voice message at 215-489-4900. We will return your call as soon as we can. During this time, it is best to email your hepatitis B questions to the helpline at info@hepb.org.  We recommend that you follow guidelines from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to keep you, your family and your community safe. Finally, you might find interesting this message from Dr. Timothy Block, Hepatitis B Foundation President. 4/10/20

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