Vaccines Global Summit

Vaccines against hepatitis play a very important role in the fight against liver disease due to viral infections hepatitis. There are two main vaccines, against which human beings can be protected hepatitis A and hepatitis B. It has significantly controlled the mortality because of these infections and prevented severe liver complications such as cirrhosis and liver cancer. The hepatitis B vaccine is one of the most widely used vaccines in the world. Hepatitis B is the viral infection caused by blood and other bodily fluids that may lead to chronic liver disease and cancer if not treated.

The hepatitis B vaccine is administered within most countries as three to four doses, given since birth, providing life-long protection in most children. The vaccine has been particularly important in reducing the rate of mother-to-child infection with the virus at birth, which continues to be one of the principal modes of infection in most areas. As a result of high rates of hepatitis B immunization campaigns, the rate of liver cancer associated with hepatitis B infection has been steadily falling, with major impacts occurring in the world's most highly infected countries.

The other vital element of prevention is the hepatitis A vaccine. Hepatitis A virus is mainly passed along by contaminated food and water, though it often doesn't cause chronic liver disease-the infection may cause severe illness, predominantly in adults. The two-dose hepatitis A vaccine is highly effective in prevention against the infection. Travelers to places where hepatitis A is common should be vaccinated. Populations that are at increased risk for infection, including people with chronic liver disease, also should receive the hepatitis A vaccine.

Altogether, these vaccines for hepatitis A and B have been great in managing the burden of hepatitis infections globally. Until date, no hepatitis C vaccine is available, but there are still ongoing studies about the formulation of a hepatitis C vaccine. In the meantime, hepatitis A and B remain to rescue millions of individuals from the ultimate destructive power of liver disease and its complications.