Hepatitis B in the spotlight: vaccines, risks, and policy talks this week

A major policy meeting is planned this week as Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his vaccine advisory group prepare to vote on updated recommendations for hepatitis B vaccines, alongside guidance on COVID-19 vaccines and measles, mumps and rubella vaccines. The panel's decision could influence vaccination strategies nationwide as officials weigh updates to dosing, target groups and indications for use.

Hepatitis B is a serious viral infection that causes inflammation in the liver and is the world’s most common liver infection. The World Health Organization estimates that about 254 million people live with hepatitis B globally. The infection can present as an acute illness lasting weeks to months or become a chronic condition that persists for years or a lifetime, with potential complications such as cirrhosis or liver cancer. Transmission occurs through exposure to infected bodily fluids, including blood, semen, vaginal fluids, amniotic fluid and other secretions. It can spread during unprotected sex, through sharing needles or syringes, or via contaminated medical instruments. In pregnant women, the virus can be passed to the newborn during childbirth. Anyone can contract hepatitis B, but risk is higher for people with sexually transmitted infections, those who are immunosuppressed, dialysis patients and people with other liver diseases.

Symptoms can include abdominal pain, fatigue, fever, joint pain, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, and weakness. Some people experience none at all. Signs of liver disease can include dark urine, pale stools, jaundice and swelling from fluid buildup. A person is contagious for as long as the virus is active in the body. Acute hepatitis B usually lasts up to six months, while chronic hepatitis B may be contagious indefinitely if active.

Diagnosis is made with blood tests that show whether the virus is present and whether it is active. Imaging tests such as elastography or, in some cases, liver biopsy can assess the extent of liver damage. There is no cure for hepatitis B, but antiviral medications can suppress the virus and keep it inactive in some people. In chronic cases, treatment may be required for life to reduce viral activity and slow disease progression. If infection progresses to cancer or liver failure, surgery or transplantation may be necessary. The medical emphasis remains on prevention through vaccination and ongoing monitoring for those with infection.

Prevention hinges on vaccination. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends hepatitis B vaccination for all infants, for children under 19, for adults aged 19 to 59, and for those older than 60 with risk factors. Several hepatitis B vaccines exist, with varying dosing schedules across products. Health experts also advise avoiding alcohol, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and protecting the liver from other infections to improve outcomes for people who have hepatitis B. Vaccination programs aim to prevent infection, reduce the burden of chronic liver disease and lower the risk of cirrhosis and liver cancer over time.

For those with hepatitis B or who suspect exposure, clinicians emphasize talking with a healthcare provider about testing, treatment options and ways to reduce transmission. Medications that suppress viral activity can help maintain liver health and limit spread to others, while regular monitoring helps detect complications such as cirrhosis or cancer early. In the broader public health context, the hepatitis B conversation is part of an ongoing assessment of vaccine policy, dosing schedules and access to care that could influence recommendations for other vaccines as well.

Global health authorities note that hepatitis B remains a significant public health challenge, with prevention and treatment gaps in many regions. Vaccination coverage, testing availability and access to antiviral therapy all affect infection rates and long-term outcomes. Experts stress that improving access to vaccines and routine screening remains essential to reducing new infections and protecting individuals who are at higher risk.

Health officials say vaccination—along with safe practices and ongoing medical management for those infected—continues to be the most effective path to preventing hepatitis B and its serious complications. People with questions about vaccination, testing or liver health are encouraged to consult their healthcare providers and rely on guidance from trusted public health sources to inform their decisions.