The Role of Vaccines in Preventing Liver Diseases

Guidelines and Recommendations for Vaccination

The ACIP has put in place comprehensive guidelines for vaccination against HBV infections. The committee recommends universal vaccination of infants within the first 24 hours of life, with the completion of the vaccine series. In addition, adolescents and adults who were previously not vaccinated are also recommended to consider vaccination against HBV infections. The guidelines ensure that vaccination of the high-risk populations, which include healthcare workers and individuals with chronic liver diseases, and those who could possibly be at a risk of acquiring HBV infection, receive high priority.

The effect of immunization of hepatitis B on public health

The HBV vaccine had an enormous impact on public health. Today, the rate of chronic HBV infection has decreased remarkably in populations with high rates of HBV vaccination. The success of the HBV vaccination program in reducing HBV infection will, in turn, lead to a decline in the incidence of the subsequent liver cirrhosis and HCC. Such experience can only remind us of the crucial need to maintain the high vaccination coverage so as to sustain the public health gains as accrued.

Challenges of Vaccinating against Hepatitis B

Vaccination against HBV has faced several challenges despite the success of the programs. The first among these is the successful administration of the vaccine to newly born children. Lack of knowledge at birth, logistical challenges, and a series of unavailabilities of health facilities in different parts all contribute toward delaying proper vaccination. In addition, there are gaps in vaccination coverage for susceptible older children and adults in areas where resources are limited.

Improving Vaccination Coverage

Other coverage-promoting strategies include better healthcare infrastructures, public information campaigns, and inclusion of provisions for vaccination under the rubric of other health programs. Innovative methods like mobile vaccination units and community-based approaches are used to increase coverage of vulnerable and underserved populations.

Vaccinating against Hepatitis C

Unlike HBV, no vaccine is yet available against HCV. However, active pursuit of  the development of a viable HCV vaccine is currently underway. Efforts toward the development of a viable HCV vaccine have been very complicated due to the highly genetically variable nature of the virus and the need to elicit a strong, long-lasting immune response from the vaccine. Current ongoing research, notwithstanding all the complexities, gives hope that sooner or later, some HCV vaccines will be available.

Vaccination in Prevention of Liver Cancer

Vaccination against HBV has a direct impact on reducing the incidence of liver cancer. Chronic HBV infection is the major risk factor in the development of HCC. Decreasing the factor responsible for most of the cases of liver cancer through vaccination impacts a decrease in the incidence of liver cancer. This preventive measure is very important, especially in areas where HBV infection and cases of liver cancer are rampant.

Future Directions in Vaccine Development

The future for developing vaccines against liver diseases is bright. Advances in the fields of immunology and molecular biology can lead to the development of more effective vaccines. A great deal of research is currently taking place with the view to improving the efficacy of existing vaccines, developing new vaccines for other liver diseases, and improving vaccine delivery. All of these are focused on providing overall protection against liver diseases and decreasing their global burden. 

Conclusion

Vaccination represents one of the most foundational strategies for the prevention of liver disease. The HBV vaccination program reflects just one example of how vast the difference a vaccine can make in terms of public health. Both ongoing efforts invested in the development of an HCV vaccine and in the increase of vaccination coverage are among major priorities toward the liver disease response. Considering that vaccination has remained unparalleled, it has almost certainly brought about enormous reductions in the incidence and impact of the disease, thereby improving health outcomes for millions of people globally.

References

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3. Lok, A.S. and McMahon, B.J., 2009. Chronic hepatitis B: update 2009. Hepatology, 50(3), pp.661-662.
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