Expressing support for the designation of April 30, 2025, as "National Adult Hepatitis B Vaccination Awareness Day".
This measure is a non-binding House of Representatives resolution (H. Res. 362) introduced to express support for designating April 30, 2025 as “National Adult Hepatitis B Vaccination Awareness Day.” The resolution highlights the substantial health burden of hepatitis B in the United States, including the fact that millions are chronically infected, many are unaware of their status, and there are significant disparities affecting communities of color and people who inject drugs. It emphasizes the effectiveness of the hepatitis B vaccine, the lifelong nature of hepatitis B infection, and its link to liver cancer. The resolution calls for increased adult vaccination, maintenance of childhood vaccination, and greater awareness and testing, but it does not create new laws or funding. As a symbolic, non-binding measure, it urges testing for adults 18 and older at least once in their lifetime, vaccination for those susceptible, linkage to care for those diagnosed, and a broader commitment to raise awareness among providers and communities to boost vaccination rates and sustain childhood vaccination efforts.
Key Points
- 1Designates April 30, 2025 as “National Adult Hepatitis B Vaccination Awareness Day.”
- 2Encourages all adults 18+ to be tested for hepatitis B at least once in their lifetime, and for susceptible individuals to be vaccinated.
- 3Urges healthcare providers and the community to link individuals diagnosed with hepatitis B to appropriate care.
- 4Calls for actions to increase adult hepatitis B vaccination rates and to maintain childhood vaccination rates, along with promoting awareness among providers and communities.
- 5Presents hepatitis B as a major public health issue with disparities, higher infectivity, and strong vaccine effectiveness, framing vaccination as a key strategy to reduce new infections and liver-related mortality.