Toward elimination of hepatitis A and B in Europe: vaccination successes, challenges, and opportunities

Toward elimination of hepatitis A and B in Europe: vaccination successes, challenges, and opportunities

Introduction Hepatitis B and hepatitis A are vaccine-preventable infections of global concern. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis A virus (HAV) vaccines available in Europe are underutilized in some age groups. While most European countries implemented childhood HBV universal routine vaccination...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Maria Buti, Paolo Bonanni, Nimzing Ladep, George Papatheodoridis, Markus Frühwein, Cary James, John W. Ward, Volker Vetter, Pasquale Cacciatore, Divya Kesters, Pavitra Dewda, Pierre Van Damme
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Taylor & Francis Group 2025-12-01
Series:Expert Review of Vaccines
Subjects:
Viral hepatitis
hepatitis B
hepatitis A
vaccine
vaccination recommendations
vaccination policies
Online Access:https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/10.1080/14760584.2025.2502030
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Introduction Hepatitis B and hepatitis A are vaccine-preventable infections of global concern. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis A virus (HAV) vaccines available in Europe are underutilized in some age groups. While most European countries implemented childhood HBV universal routine vaccination (URV), vaccination coverage among adults remains low. Low HAV vaccination coverage among high-risk populations due to variable national vaccination policies, low awareness of vaccination benefits, and other barriers, increases the risk for outbreaks.Areas covered We discuss the awareness of hepatitis B and hepatitis A burden in different populations in Europe, vaccination recommendations, successes, challenges, and opportunities for their implementation.Expert opinion Awareness of at-risk populations and HBV/HAV vaccination recommendations should be raised among healthcare providers and the general population to increase access to vaccination. Increasing awareness that HBV vaccination contributes to reduction in the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma can motivate adults to get vaccinated. Adult HBV URV may be considered in Europe, as in the United States, pending cost-effectiveness assessment at national levels. HAV vaccination recommendations should be updated and expanded to all at-risk persons. National HBV/HAV targets and vaccination strategies should be actively promoted to accelerate the elimination of viral hepatitis in Europe.
ISSN:1476-0584
1744-8395

Similar Items