Overcoming obstacles to immunization in patients with chronic liver disease

The importance of vaccination to protect against hepatitis A virus (HAV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections in patients with chronic liver disease has been established. However, in this population, a number of obstacles can interfere with appropriate and timely hepatitis immunization. The costs of hepatitis A and B vaccine series are out of reach for many uninsured patients. Many private and government-sponsored insurance programs do not routinely cover these vaccinations for patients with chronic liver disease. Varying recommendations by government and national organizations, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD), may lead to uncertainty and inconsistent vaccination practices. Because of the need for multiple office visits for prescreening assessment and vaccine administration, patient adherence can be an issue as well. Improved coverage of vaccines by government and third-party health plans is needed, as are uniform guidelines regarding the vaccination of patients with chronic liver disease. Providers should counsel such patients about the serious health risks incurred by infection with HAV or HBV and encourage vaccination in these patients. A combination of interventions can be used to facilitate timely and appropriate vaccination against hepatitis and to improve the affordability of vaccination for patients with chronic liver disease.