Injection Drug Users and Viral Hepatitis
Injection
drug users (IDUs) are at risk for hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis
C virus (HCV) infection through the sharing of needles and drug-preparation
equipment. In addition, outbreaks of hepatitis A infection have been reported
among IDUs; such outbreaks are believed to occur through both percutaneous
and fecal-oral routes. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices
recommends that IDUs get vaccinated against hepatitis A and hepatitis B.
Because of higher rates of infection among this population, CDC also
recommends testing IDUs for chronic HBV infection.
Guidelines and Recommendations
MMWR 2008;57(RR-8)
Prevention
of Hepatitis A Through Active or Passive Immunization: Recommendations of
the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)
MMWR 2006;55(RR-7)
Hepatitis B Vaccination Recommendations for Adults; Appendix
A,
B,
C
PDF
version (with appendices)
MMWR 2006;55(RR-16)
Related Pages
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CDC
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Federal
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Other
Page last modified: September 18, 2008
Content source:
Division of Viral Hepatitis
National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention
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