People who Inject Drugs and Viral Hepatitis
People who inject drugs (PWID) are at risk for Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection through the sharing of needles and drug-preparation equipment. In addition, outbreaks of Hepatitis A infection have been reported among PWIDs; such outbreaks are believed to occur through both percutaneous and fecal-oral routes. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends that PWIDs get vaccinated against Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B. Because of higher rates of infection among this population, CDC also recommends testing anyone who has injected drugs for HBV and HCV infection.
Guidelines and Recommendations
Recommendations for Identification and Public Health Management of Persons with Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection
MMWR 2008;57(RR-8)
Prevention of Hepatitis A Through Active or Passive Immunization: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)
MMWR 2006;55(RR-7)
Hepatitis B Vaccination Recommendations for Adults; Appendix A, B, C
PDF version [PDF – 40 pages] (with appendices)
MMWR 2006;55(RR-16)
Resources
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Technical Consultation Report
Hepatitis C Virus Infection in Young Persons Who Inject Drugs [PDF – 32 pages] -
CDC
Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention: Access to Sterile Syringes
HIV Prevention Among Injection Drug Users -
National Institute on Drug Abuse
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
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Other
American Association for the Treatment of Opioid Dependence
WHO: Guidance on prevention of viral hepatitis B and C among people who inject drugs
Patient Resources
- Hepatitis C and Injection Drug Use
- Page last reviewed: March 29, 2016
- Page last updated: September 26, 2017
- Content source: