| Theme | Hepatitis B : Towards the Elimination | |
|---|---|---|
| Title | Universal Vaccination Against the Hepatitis B Virus in Japan | |
| Publish Date | 2016/03 | |
| Author | Ayano Inui | Department of Pediatric Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Saiseikai Yokohamashi Tobu Hospital |
| Author | Haruki Komatsu | Department of Pediatrics, Sakura Medical Center, Toho University School of Medicine |
| Author | Tsuyoshi Sogo | Department of Pediatric Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Saiseikai Yokohamashi Tobu Hospital |
| Author | Tomoo Fujisawa | Department of Pediatric Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Saiseikai Yokohamashi Tobu Hospital |
| [ Summary ] | Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is extremely infectious, and cannot be conquered by only preventing mother‒to‒child transmission. Horizontal HBV infection is transmitted via saliva, sweat, and tears. Universal vaccination (UV) in childhood has lead to the prevention of acute hepatitis in adulthood through the "herd immunity" effect. Currently, in addition to the fact that infection with HBV genotype A is rapidly spreading through sexual transmission, HBV reactivation and de novo hepatitis are becoming new concerns. Based on this situation, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare has launched UV, in which all of the 0‒year‒olds will be vaccinated against HBV, starting 2016. | |