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The hepatitis B vaccine is a medication used to prevent hepatitis B infection, which can lead to chronic liver failure and hepatocellular carcinoma. This activity reviews the indications, actions, and contraindications of the hepatitis B vaccine as a valuable agent in preventing hepatitis B infection. This activity will highlight the mechanism of action, adverse event profile, and other vital factors pertinent to healthcare team members in reducing the burden of hepatitis B on their patients and community. Objectives: Identify the mechanism of action of the hepatitis B vaccine. Identify the administration regimens of the hepatitis B vaccine. Evaluate the monitoring for patients receiving the hepatitis B vaccine, including any toxicity. Outline the importance of improving care coordination amongst the healthcare team to enhance care delivery for patients receiving the hepatitis B vaccine. Access free multiple choice questions on this topic.

The interprofessional health care team faces many challenges when vaccinating patients for hepatitis B. While few medical interventions have as significant an impact on health as vaccinations, and the hepatitis B vaccination is generally safe, lack of knowledge about the vaccine by healthcare team members and patient concern about adverse events can decrease coverage. Challenges on knowledge of the vaccine for healthcare team members include staying current on evolving recommendations for whom the vaccine is indicated.[1][12][15] All team members can increase the vaccination rate of their patients by encouraging all staff to become trained in the assessment of vaccination histories and any pertinent staff in administering the vaccine. Protecting the time available for the team to do this is an essential component of this strategy. All patients should receive education on the benefits of vaccination, including its herd immunity effect, the generally safe side effect profile, and the relatively few contraindications. A presumption of acceptance may be effective with most patients.[1][15] The hesitant parent and patient who does not respond to this can pose a challenge in vaccination.[15] Motivational interviewing techniques have shown to be effective with these hesitant patients.[1] Nurses should always verify the patient's vaccination status regarding hepatitis B (as well as other vaccines) and report their findings to the clinician. Many states in the United States of America allow pharmacists to administer the vaccine, and pharmacists should reinforce the counsel from the provider and nursing staff and update the patient's record with each dose. In this manner, the interprofessional team can operate from the same data regarding vaccination status, leading to better patient outcomes. A new adjuvanted vaccination is in development and now approved for adults in the United States, which would reduce the time for series completion from a 6-month 3-dose series to a 1-month 2-dose series.[1][16][17] This development would promise to reduce some burdens on patients, physician offices, and pharmacies of administering the vaccine series and increase vaccination rates.[1][16][17]