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  • How to Find a Hepatitis B Provider

    How to Find a Hepatitis B Provider If you have chronic hepatitis B or are newly diagnosed, it’s important to see a medical provider who has experience managing and treating hepatitis B. Having a medical provider with hepatitis B expertise on your team not only safeguards your health but 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 orders diagnostic tests for hepatitis B. Doctors may run additional blood tests and/or immediately refer you to a liver specialist. If your PCP has experience managing and treating hepatitis B, you may decide to continue your hepatitis B care with that provider. Or, 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 and if they have experience with hepatitis B. 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 medical providers who treat hepatitis B around the world. These doctors have voluntarily signed up to be included in the database. It is not an exhaustive list,

    http://www.hepb.org/blog/find-hepatitis-b-provider/
  • Celebrate International Day of Happiness

    … important for your happiness. We know a hepatitis B diagnosis does not define you nor defines your happiness. If you want to share want makes you happy, you can through our new campaign, More Than B! Check it out here. Reduce Inequalities - Please join the Hepatitis B Foundation in calling upon all companies developing COVID-19 vaccines to include people living with hepatitis B and liver disease in their clinical trials, and to make the resulting sub-group data publicly available. The inclusion of these groups in clinical trials will help improve access to approved vaccines and will broaden trust and acceptance of the vaccines, especially among those who are unsure if they should receive any COVID-19 vaccine. We must account for groups who may be more susceptible to severe illness from the coronavirus. Data is one of the most powerful tools we have to build vaccine confidence amongst vulnerable populations, and one we must fully utilize in order to earn the trust of concerned communities. We must ensure that the voices of the 300 million people around the world who are living with hepatitis B are not forgotten. Add your voice here! What better way to celebrate than to learn more about your own and your family’s health and to contribute to better health and well-being for your whole community, both now and in the future? The All of Us Research Program is working to make health and medical research more diverse, inclusive, and representative of the actual population in the United States, so that doctors can move toward precision medicine and away from making diagnosis and treatment decisions based on an “average” patient. Participation is especially important for Asian, Pacific Islander, and other community members, who are the least represented. By enrolling in the study, you can get information about your own health and genetics, help move science forward, and even play a role in guiding the research itself! The program holds itself to the highest standards

    http://www.hepb.org/blog/celebrate-international-day-happiness/
  • Sexual Transmission and Hepatitis B Among Adults in China

    As the birth-dose for hepatitis B (HBV) increases, sexual transmission is the most common mode of transmitting hepatitis B among unvaccinated adults. A research study, “Evaluating the independent influence of sexual transmission on HBV infection in China: a modeling study” evaluated the independent impact of sexual transmission on hepatitis B. This blog will give a summary of the results of the study, prevention tips, and future recommendations. Summary of Research Study  The researchers of this study developed an age- and sex-specific discrete model at the population level to evaluate the influence of sexual transmission on HBV infection in China. They found that in 2014, due to sexual transmission, the total number of chronic HBV infections in people aged 0–100 years increased by 292,581 people! That year, due to sexual transmission, there were  189,200 new chronic infections among men and 103,381 new chronic infections among women. In 2006, sexual transmission accounted for 24.76% (male: 31.33%, female: 17.94%) of acute HBV infections in China and in 2014, sexual transmission accounted for 34.59% (male: 42.93%, female: 25.73%) of acute HBV infections in China. These statistics demonstrate that acute HBV infections due to sexual transmission increased by 10% and 8% respectively from 2006-2014. However, researchers found that if the condom usage rate increased by 10% annually starting in 2019, then compared with current practice, the total number of acute HBV infections from 2019 to 2035 would be reduced by 16.68% (male: 21.49%, female: 11.93%). The HBsAg prevalence in people aged 1–59 years in 2035 would be reduced to 2.01% (male: 2.40%, female: 1.58%). Prevention and Harm Reduction Strategies During Sex  Practicing safe sex is can be a great way to prevent the transmission of hepatitis B. Condoms are an effective way to prevent the transmission of hepatitis B during intercourse. Sometimes during sex, people like to use personal lubricants. When using

    http://www.hepb.org/blog/sexual-transmission-hepatitis-b-among-adults-china/
  • Lunar New Year and Hepatitis B

    February 12th marks the start of Lunar New Year and it’s the Year of the Ox!  The ox represents hard work, diligence, and honesty. Sometimes it is so easy to get wrapped up in being diligent at work and neglect your health! If you have not been tested for hepatitis B, you might want to strongly consider knowing your status. If you are living with hepatitis B, be diligent with committing to a healthy lifestyle. Some healthy lifestyle tips include: see your hepatitis B doctor every 6 months to monitor the health of your liver, reduce or eliminate alcohol intake, eat unprocessed foods, avoid smoking or illicit drugs, and exercising. If you celebrate the Lunar New Year, you might practice some traditions like cleaning your home, setting off firecrackers, watching a lion dance, exchanging red envelopes, and most importantly, a family reunion dinner. Celebrating the New Year might be difficult if you are living with hepatitis B, but you can take steps to celebrate mindfully. Here are some little suggestions for you to consider and possibly incorporate into this year’s celebration: Making healthier food choices Try steaming dumplings instead of frying them Eat more veggie and lean meat dishes Reduce or eliminate alcohol intake Not drinking in a social setting can be hard when everyone else is. Some alternatives can include mocktails, non-alcoholic beers, or sparkling water. In between celebrating, go outside for a little walk around the neighborhood to get some exercise. Some people living with hepatitis B might be worried about transmitting the virus to their family members through sharing food. The good news is that you cannot transmit hepatitis B through food, water, or even sharing utensils! If you celebrate the Lunar New Year, we wish you fortune, happiness, and health. Author: Evangeline Wang Contact Information: info@hepb.org

    http://www.hepb.org/blog/lunar-new-year-hepatitis-b/
  • Correctional Facilities and Hepatitis B

      People experiencing incarceration in correctional facilities face a disproportionate burden of hepatitis B. This is due to potential increased exposure to high-risk individuals, including people who inject drugs or exchange sex for money or drugs.1 This blog will discuss the prevalence of hepatitis B in individuals experiencing incarceration in the United States and globally, risk factors for infection, and recommendations for policymakers, public health professionals, and correctional facilities. Prevalence in The United States The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates 850,000 to 2.2 million individuals are living with hepatitis B in the United States.2 Of those individuals, an estimated 0.9% to 11.4% for HBsAg (active, infectious HBV) and 6.5% to 42.6% for HBcAb (ever infected) of people experiencing incarceration are living with hepatitis B.2 Prevalence Internationally Researchers have conducted various studies in different countries to determine hepatitis B prevalence. For example, a study in Iran found a prevalence of HBV DNA in incarcerated individuals at 2.1%.1  Another study in Mexico City tested over 15,500 men experiencing incarceration and almost 1,800 women experiencing incarceration and found the rate of HBcAb among men was 2.8% and among women, 3.0%. The rate of HBsAg was 0.1% among men and 0.3% among women.1 Risk Factors Hepatitis B is transmitted through blood, semen, and other bodily fluids.1  Routes of transmission among incarcerated individuals include sharing needles and cookers or other injection drug paraphernalia, sharing tattoo paraphernalia, sharing razors, and having unprotected sex with someone living with hepatitis B.3  Because of policies in the United States criminalizing injection drug use and sex work, correctional facilities are more likely to have higher concentrations of individuals engaging in these risky behaviors. Additionally, sterile equipment is sometimes inaccessible and sharing drug injection

    http://www.hepb.org/blog/correctional-facilities-hepatitis-b/
  • Hepatitis B Foundation receives Congressional funding for a Center of Public Health Excellence

    Doylestown, Pa., March 14, 2022 – With the passage of the Fiscal Year 2022 Omnibus Appropriations Act, the Hepatitis B Foundation will receive $475,000 to create a Center of Public Health Excellence focused on hepatitis B elimination by providing expert resources, advice, training, capacity building and technical assistance for state and local partners including health departments, social service organizations, and community-based health providers on how to best prevent, treat and control hepatitis B and to increase the rate of adult vaccination and testing for hepatitis B. The Center will build public health infrastructure to decrease heath disparities and improve health access and outcomes in underserved, disparately impacted communities of color. The Center of Public Health Excellence was one of nine community projects that Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick secured funding for in the Fiscal Year 2022 Omnibus Appropriations Act. The final bill passed the House with Congressman Fitzpatrick’s support on March 9, and passed the Senate on March 10. “We greatly appreciate Congressman Fitzpatrick’s leadership and help in securing this essential funding,” said Chari Cohen, DrPH, MPH, senior vice president of the Hepatitis B Foundation. “Our center is an exciting new initiative that will serve people living with hepatitis B, their families, health care providers and the public health community here in Pennsylvania and eventually nationwide.” There are at least 50,000 Pennsylvanians living with chronic hepatitis B, only 10-15% have been diagnosed, and only 50% of those diagnosed access sustainable medical care. This epidemic primarily impacts underserved communities of color and left untreated, one in four chronically infected individuals will die prematurely of liver cancer or cirrhosis. The addiction crisis has severely exacerbated this problem, and rates of acute hepatitis B have increased more than 150% in Pennsylvania. There is therefore an urgent need for the creation of a Center of Public Health Excellence focused on hepatitis B elimination. This program will build critical strategic public health infrastructure and partnerships in Pennsylvania to be leveraged and modeled for expansion as a national program. Ultimately, this initiative will help us meet the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) goal to eliminate hepatitis B in the United States by 2030. About Hepatitis B: Hepatitis B is the most common serious liver infection in the world. It is caused by the hepatitis B virus that attacks and injures the liver. Each year 840,000 people die from hepatitis B worldwide despite the fact that 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 transmit the virus to others. For people who are chronically infected but don’t have any symptoms, their liver can still be silently damaged, 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, 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/hepatitis-b-foundation-receives-congressional-funding-for-a-center-of-public-health-excellence-2/
  • Hepatitis B Foundation receives Congressional funding for a Center of Public Health Excellence

    Doylestown, Pa., March 14, 2022 – With the passage of the Fiscal Year 2022 Omnibus Appropriations Act, the Hepatitis B Foundation will receive $475,000 to create a Center of Public Health Excellence focused on hepatitis B elimination by providing expert resources, advice, training, capacity building and technical assistance for state and local partners including health departments, social service organizations, and community-based health providers on how to best prevent, treat and control hepatitis B and to increase the rate of adult vaccination and testing for hepatitis B. The Center will build public health infrastructure to decrease heath disparities and improve health access and outcomes in underserved, disparately impacted communities of color. The Center of Public Health Excellence was one of nine community projects that Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick secured funding for in the Fiscal Year 2022 Omnibus Appropriations Act. The final bill passed the House with Congressman Fitzpatrick’s support on March 9, and passed the Senate on March 10. “We greatly appreciate Congressman Fitzpatrick’s leadership and help in securing this essential funding,” said Chari Cohen, DrPH, MPH, senior vice president of the Hepatitis B Foundation. “Our center is an exciting new initiative that will serve people living with hepatitis B, their families, health care providers and the public health community here in Pennsylvania and eventually nationwide.” There are at least 50,000 Pennsylvanians living with chronic hepatitis B, only 10-15% have been diagnosed, and only 50% of those diagnosed access sustainable medical care. This epidemic primarily impacts underserved communities of color and left untreated, one in four chronically infected individuals will die prematurely of liver cancer or cirrhosis. The addiction crisis has severely exacerbated this problem, and rates of acute hepatitis B have increased more than 150% in Pennsylvania. There is therefore an urgent need for the creation of a Center of Public Health Excellence focused on hepatitis B elimination. This program will build critical strategic public health infrastructure and partnerships in Pennsylvania to be leveraged and modeled for expansion as a national program. Ultimately, this initiative will help us meet the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) goal to eliminate hepatitis B in the United States by 2030. About Hepatitis B: Hepatitis B is the most common serious liver infection in the world. It is caused by the hepatitis B virus that attacks and injures the liver. Each year 840,000 people die from hepatitis B worldwide despite the fact that 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 transmit the virus to others. For people who are chronically infected but don’t have any symptoms, their liver can still be silently damaged, 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, 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/hepatitis-b-foundation-receives-congressional-funding-for-a-center-of-public-health-excellence/
  • Hepatitis B Foundation Members Selected to Participate as Consumer Reviewers in the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program’s Peer Reviewed Medical Research Program for the U.S. Department of Defense

    Aug. 12, 2021 – The Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program’s (CDMRP), Peer Reviewed Medical Research Program (PRMRP) for the U.S. Department of Defense has selected consumer advocates nominated by the Hepatitis B Foundation. Joan Block, RN, the Foundation’s co-founder and senior advisor, and Maureen Kamischke, the Foundation’s patient engagement and consult specialist, recently participated in the evaluation of research applications submitted to the PRMRP. As consumer reviewers, Block and Kamischke were full voting members, along with prominent scientists, in a meeting held remotely, due to COVID-19, to help determine how the $370 million appropriated by Congress for fiscal year 2021 will be spent on Peer Reviewed Medical research. Consumer reviewers are asked to represent the collective view of patients by preparing comments on the impact of research on issues such as diagnosis, treatment and quality of life. When commenting on serving as a consumer reviewers, Block and Kamischke both remarked that representing the hepatitis B community was a privilege and they are pleased that hepatitis B is included on the list of diseases considered by the CDMRP for research funding. Consumer advocates and scientists have worked together in this unique partnership to evaluate the merit of research applications since fiscal year 1999. Col. Sarah B. Goldman, director of the CDMRP, expressed her appreciation of the consumer advocates’ hard work. “Integrating consumer perspectives into our decision-making process bring energy and focus to our research programs,” said Col. Goldman. “Patients, caregivers, family members and advocates help us keep our efforts centered around what is truly important to those impacted and help ensure that CDMRP’s work remains critical and relevant.” Researchers applying to the PRMRP propose to improve the health care and well-being of all military service members, veterans and beneficiaries. The PRMRP fills important gaps by supporting groundbreaking research while encouraging innovate thinking. More information about the CDMRP’s Peer Reviewed Medical Research Program is available here. About Hepatitis B The number of adults living in the U.S. who have chronic hepatitis B infection may be as high as 2.4 million, which is nearly three times greater than the federal government’s official estimate, according to a new report by a team of public health experts, scientists and physicians. The authors include Dr. Cohen, Hepatitis B Foundation President Timothy M. Block, PhD, and Foundation Medical Director Robert G. Gish, MD. Worldwide, an estimated two billion people have been infected with the hepatitis B virus (one out of three people) and 1.5 million people become newly infected each year. Almost 300 million people are chronically infected, less than 10% of infected individuals are diagnosed and an estimated 820,000 people die each year from hepatitis B and related complications such as liver cancer. The Hepatitis B Foundation first called for universal hepatitis B screening in the U.S. in 2018, as the only screening strategy that will help us make progress towards the 2030 goal of eliminating hepatitis B in this country. 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/hepatitis-b-foundation-launches-first-global-registry-of-discrimination-2/
  • Hepatitis B Foundation Endorses the Liver Illness Visibility, Education, and Research (LIVER) Act of 2019

    DOYLESTOWN, PA (May 24, 2019): The Hepatitis B Foundation (HBF) strongly endorses yesterday’s re-introduction of the Liver Illness Visibility, Education and Research (LIVER) Act of 2019 (HR 3016). Introduced by Representative Nydia Velazquez (D-NY), the bill takes bold steps to increase investments in research, prevention, and awareness activities to address hepatitis B, which kills up to 1 million people a year, and liver cancer, which continues to grow in incidence and is the 2nd deadliest cancer. As hepatitis B is a major cause of liver cancer, research efforts to cure these two diseases are linked. The LIVER Act will authorize an additional $45 million a year for 5 years for hepatitis B and liver cancer research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and will: Raise the profile of liver disease at the NIH by adding Liver to the name of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) to make it the National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive, Kidney and Liver Diseases; Elevate the Liver Branch at NIDDK to a Division and require that the new Liver Division report directly to the Institute Director; Direct the National Cancer Institute (NCI) to issue targeted calls for proposals, including a call for a new liver Specialized Program of Research Excellence for primary liver cancer, and have those proposals reviewed by a new Special Emphasis Panel; Direct the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) and NIDDK to issue targeted calls for proposals to focus on research questions identified by the hepatitis B research community; and, Direct NIH to establish an inter-institute working group to coordinate hepatitis B and liver cancer research. The bill will also authorize an additional $90 million a year for 5 years for prevention and awareness grants at the CDC, including grants for screening, vaccination, and treatment for liver cancer, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and cirrhosis of the liver. The Hepatitis B Foundation applauds Congresswoman Velazquez for her leadership and vision on this issue and stands ready to help see this important legislation enacted into law. About Hepatitis B: Hepatitis B is the most common serious liver infection in the world. It is caused by the hepatitis B virus that attacks and injures the liver. Each year up to 1 million people die from hepatitis B worldwide despite the fact that 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 spread the virus to others and continue the spread of hepatitis B. For people who are chronically infected but don’t have any symptoms, their liver is still being silently damaged which can develop into serious liver disease such as cirrhosis or liver cancer. About the Hepatitis B Foundation: The Hepatitis B Foundation is 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. To learn more, go to www.hepb.org, read our blog at hepb.org/blog, follow us on Twitter @HepBFoundation, find us on Facebook at facebook.com/hepbfoundation or call 215-489-4900. # # #  

    https://www.hepb.org/news-and-events/news-2/liver-act-2/
  • Baruch Blumberg, MD, DPhil

    Nobel Prize Winner in MedicineDistinguished Scholar, Hepatitis B Foundation(1925 – 2011) Dr. Baruch S. Blumberg had immense curiosity and energy that were hallmarks of his scientific persona. Described as a leading light in the scientific community and a great humanitarian, Dr. Blumberg identified the hepatitis B virus and created the first vaccine to prevent infection with the virus. Dr. Blumberg dedicated most of his scientific career to the problem of hepatitis B, and was a tremendous source of inspiration for the Hepatitis B Foundation. When the Foundation was established, Dr. Blumberg enthusiastically joined as a charter member of the HBF Scientific and Medical Advisory Board. His many years of professional encouragement and personal support were invaluable to the HBF’s ongoing efforts to find a cure to complete the circle of discovery that began when he identified the virus. In 1976, Dr. Blumberg won the Nobel Prize in Medicine for his discovery of the hepatitis B virus. He and his colleagues discovered the virus in 1967, developed the blood test that is used to detect the virus, and invented the first hepatitis B vaccine in 1969. These outstanding accomplishments have contributed significantly towards making the world a much healthier place to live. Dr. Blumberg served on the Scientific and Medical Advisory Board of the Hepatitis B Foundation and as its Distinguished Scholar from 1992 until his passing in 2011. He was the Senior Advisor to the President of Fox Chase Cancer Center, and Professor of Medicine and Anthropology at the University of Pennsylvania, both located in Philadelphia, Pa. In 1999, he was asked to serve as Director of the NASA Astrobiology Institute in California and subsequently was appointed Senior Advisor to the Administrator for Biology, headquartered at NASA in Washington, D.C. A New York City native, Dr. Blumberg had a long and distinguished career with broad-ranging interests that include clinical research, epidemiology, virology, genetics and anthropology. He received his medical degree from Columbia University, and his doctoral degree from Balliol College of the University of Oxford. He joined the National Institutes of Health in 1957; moved to Fox Chase Cancer Center in 1964; and served as Master of Balliol College of the University of Oxford from 1989-1994. Discovery of the Hepatitis B Virus Scientific findings are often serendipitous. Such was the case for Dr. Baruch Blumberg who discovered the hepatitis B virus. He did not set out to discover the cause of hepatitis B. Rather, his intellectual curiosity and understanding of the scientific process led him to this profound discovery. In brief, the story of hepatitis B started with a search for inherited differences and ended with the discovery of a new virus. As a medical anthropologist in the early 1950's, Dr. Blumberg was interested in the genetics of disease susceptibility. He wondered whether inherited traits could make different groups of people more or less susceptible to the same disease. Dr. Blumberg and his team traveled the globe to collect blood samples from native populations in remote parts of the world. They planned to look for genetic differences, and then study whether these differences were associated with a disease. However, since they did not have the technology to analyze these blood samples at the genetic level, a new indirect method had to be developed; they turned their attention to hemophiliac patients. Dr. Blumberg reasoned that hemophiliacs who had received multiple blood transfusions would have been exposed to blood serum proteins that they themselves had not inherited, but had been inherited by their donors. As a result of this exposure, the immune systems of the hemophiliac patient would produce "antibodies" against the foreign blood serum proteins, or "antigens", from the donors. Since antibodies are programmed to lock onto specific antigens, Dr. Blumberg decided to use antibodies from hemophiliac patients to test the blood samples collected around the world. Using this new lab technique for matching antibodies with antigens, an unusual match was identified between an antibody from a New York hemophiliac and an antigen found in the blood sample of an Australian aborigine, which they called the "Australia antigen". A series of research and clinical observations led to confirmation that the "Australia antigen" caused hepatitis B and thus, this was how the hepatitis B virus was discovered in 1967. Two years later, Dr. Blumberg and Dr. Irving Millman invented the hepatitis B vaccine, which is another fascinating story!

    https://www.hepb.org/about-us/baruch-blumberg-md-dphil/