Mission 2030: Toward universal hepatitis B immunization

Abstract

Despite the availability of efficacious and safe vaccines for more than 40 years, the rate of new hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections remains high, leaving large populations at risk of developing chronic hepatitis B, liver cirrhosis and cancer. The WHO aims at reducing the number of cases by 90% as part of its Immunization Agenda 2030. While legacy vaccines and established immunization protocols will play a significant role in achieving this goal, challenges such as an inconvenient multi-dose regimen and a reduced efficacy in adults persist. Novel vaccines with improved adjuvants, alternative antigens, and innovative administration routes show promise in overcoming these hurdles. However, achieving universal immunization requires increased vaccine coverage, likely by development and validation of two-dose vaccines for children, and the endorsement and implementation of such new approaches in future immunization policies. By addressing these challenges, the goal of controlling HBV globally through immunization becomes attainable.

Keywords

• HBV vaccination
• universal immunization
• non-responders
• vaccine uptake
• vaccine formulation