Consultants Meeting to Develop Recommendations for the Prevention and Control of Viral Hepatitis Among Incarcerated Persons
All individuals with chronic hepatitis, including those who are incarcerated, need access to immunization, testing and, when appropriate, treatment. Given the high prevalence of chronic hepatitis B and C, and the potential risk for acute hepatitis A and B infection, in incarcerated populations, we support the following principles:
Educational programs within correctional systems should permit incarcerated persons to:
Testing for hepatitis B and C should be available within correctional systems on a routine basis or for persons for whom it is indicated.
When it is medically advisable, treatment for chronic hepatitis B or C should be made available within the prison system. Ongoing medical care should be made available for all incarcerated persons who decline or are ineligible for treatment.
Hepatitis A and B vaccines should be provided for all persons with chronic hepatitis C.
Hepatitis A vaccine should be made available for all incarcerated persons with chronic hepatitis B or any other form of chronic liver disease.
Due to the fact that incarcerated persons are at risk for viral hepatitis, vaccination for hepatitis A and B should be encouraged within correctional systems.
Last updated on September 18th, 2023 at 11:07 am