Author:
Henin Sally,Gruenglas Jeffrey,Anaya Miranda,Simard Marie-Chantale
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection can lead to chronic complications and increased mortality, supporting the use of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) as an important initiative in public health. Despite positive trends in reducing HBV exposure with effective screening and vaccination, adoption and implementation of US Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) guidelines reveals gaps in protection for vulnerable populations (e.g., sexual assaulted, IV drug use, incarcerated persons, low socioeconomic status) who remain at risk for infection and viral transmission. This chapter reviews current acute HBV exposure guidelines in the United States (US) and presents opportunities for policy reform to improve equitable access and outcomes across vulnerable populations.