Vaccination Against Viral Hepatitis A & B in Patient with Chronic Liver Disease (CLD)

 

Immunization should be performed as soon as chronic liver disease has been diagnosed. Vaccine protection is reduced in a patient who has:

(1) advanced liver disease

(2) had a liver transplant (due to immunosuppression)

 

Vaccination is particularly important in patients at risk for exposure to viral hepatitis such as:

(1) traveler

(2) day care worker

(3) healthcare worker

 

The patient should be evaluated for:

(1) serologic evidence of immunity

(2) history of previous vaccination

 

Vaccination is not indicated if the patient has protective antibodies.

 

Following vaccination the patient should be tested for serologic response. A booster shot may be indicated for a patient who does not show seroconversion.