Researchers say Hepatitis C patients are seldom vaccinated against the Hepatitis A virus, despite longstanding medical recommendations.

The Hepatitis A vaccine, or HAV, has been available since 1995, yet Hepatitis C, or HAC, infection continues to be one of the most preventable illnesses in the United States. It can cause severe liver disease, liver failure and even death in Hepatitis C patients who already have chronic liver disease.

HAV vaccination was recommended for HAC patients by the 1996 Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and numerous other health agencies, but it was not known to what extent it is being applied.

HAC patients by the 1996 advisory Committee on immunization Practices and numerous other health agencies, but it was not known to what extent it is being applied.

Research led by Dr. Edmund Bini of New York University School of Medicine showed 53.6 percent of the 1,193 HAC patients surveyed had antibody testing performed, and nearly half were susceptible to HAV infection. Yet only 94 patients received the HAV vaccine and, of those, 45 received only one dose.

The low rates of HAV testing and vaccination are striking given the presence of recommendations to vaccinate these individuals against HAV since 1996... the authors wrote These findings have substantial public health implications and represent missed opportunities for prevention.

The study appears in the journal Hepatology.

Source: United Press International