Screening for hepatitis B and vaccination of injecting drug users in NHS drug treatment services

Abstract

Hepatitis B vaccines are now available for people at high risk of infection. Injecting drug users are at particular risk. A UK national survey of statutory drug treatment facilities was conducted to assess what screening and vaccination procedures were offered to drug takers. Of the respondents 64% did not screen for hepatitis B and 71% did not offer vaccination to hepatitis B negative individuals. However, 63% of respondents said they would advise vaccination for injecting drug users who continued to share. Fifty-eight per cent thought that the partners of hepatitis B positive clients should be screened and 50% thought that vaccination of partners was advisable. A policy of screening and vaccination for hepatitis B is recommended.