Johnson and Meng Issue Joint Statement on Upcoming Vote to Recommend Hepatitis B Vaccines for Adults

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Reps. Hank Johnson (D-GA) and Grace Meng (D-NY), Co-Chairs of the Congressional Hepatitis Caucus, issued the following statement on the vote to recommend hepatitis B vaccines for all adults, which is set to be held tomorrow by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices:

"Tomorrow, the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) will vote on a recommendation to allow hepatitis B vaccinations for all adults in the United States. As co-chairs of the Congressional Hepatitis Caucus, we cannot overstate the importance of this vote.Hepatitis B is a liver infection that can cause cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and death in extreme cases. But these are preventable with the vaccine. Up to 2.4 million Americans are currently living with hepatitis B and 65-75% remain undiagnosed.

Science and experience demonstrate vaccines to be a crucial step in complete eradication of certain viruses. Eliminating hepatitis B for the millions of people who suffer and contract it every year would be monumental for our country. Current guidelines state that only people who are at high risk are eligible for the hepatitis B vaccine. However, it is critical for all adults to be vaccinated against hepatitis B.

Our resolution to recognize April 30 as National Adult Hepatitis B Vaccination Awareness Day underscores our dedication to the elimination of hepatitis B.

The U.S. is on the path to eliminating viral hepatitis by 2030. Achieving universal adult hepatitis B vaccinations is a significant step toward reducing health disparities, reducing new infections, and working toward complete elimination of hepatis B.

We commend the CDC's work toward the elimination of viral hepatitis."