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Vaccines
Special Issues
Vaccination Against Viral Hepatitis for Prevention and Treatment
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Vaccination Against Viral Hepatitis for Prevention and Treatment

A special issue of Vaccines (ISSN 2076-393X). This special issue belongs to the section "Hepatitis Virus Vaccines".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 August 2026 | Viewed by 5121

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Antony Black

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Life Sciences, University of Westminster, London, UK
Interests: infectious diseases; vaccination; public health; tetanus; hepatitis B; hepatitis C; diphtheria; measles; rubella; vaccine immunogenicity
Dr. Monique Andersson

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Infection, University of Oxford, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
Interests: hepatitis B; hepatitis E; HIV; HBV MTCT; OBI; STIs

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are pleased to invite you to submit articles related to viral hepatitis vaccines. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimated that Hepatitis B and C viruses (HBV and HCV) caused over a million deaths in 2022 with 304 million people chronically infected worldwide. There are >20 million hepatitis A and E virus (HAV and HEV) infections each year, often resulting in debilitating symptoms and sometimes leading to fulminant hepatitis. Vaccines play a central role in controlling viral hepatitis and reaching the WHO 2030 target to reduce new hepatitis infections by 90% from 2015 levels.  When administered to neonates within 24 hours of delivery, the HBV vaccine can significantly reduce mother-to-child transmission of the virus, which remains a key route of infection in many regions. Furthermore, vaccinating at-risk adults, such as healthcare workers, is crucial for reducing horizontal transmission. HAV vaccines are important in areas experiencing increasing severe cases among older children, adolescents, and adults, especially where there is a shift from high to intermediate endemicity. The HEV vaccine is recommended by the WHO in outbreak situations and in at-risk populations. Immunogenicity and safety data may lead to full WHO pre-qualification of this vaccine. Lastly, the elusive HCV vaccine may still be important to develop, for example, given the risk of repeat infections in people who inject drugs and recent questions related to hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence following direct-acting anti-viral treatment. This Special Issue aims to bring together research on viral hepatitis and highlight recent exciting advances on this important subject. We welcome original research articles and reviews for this Special Issue. Research areas may include the following:

  • Novel strategies to increase coverage of existing viral hepatitis vaccines;
  • Research into new prophylactic and therapeutic viral hepatitis vaccines, formulations, and delivery mechanisms;
  • Ways to enhance the immunogenicity or safety of viral hepatitis vaccines;
  • Immune responses to viral hepatitis vaccines;
  • Epidemiological impact studies of viral hepatitis vaccines.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Antony Black
Dr. Monique Andersson
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Vaccines is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • viral hepatitis
  • vaccines
  • coverage
  • epidemiology
  • immunology
  • efficacy

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

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19 pages, 907 KB  
Article
National Prevalence and Risk Factors of Hepatitis B Virus Infection in Tunisia Two Decades After Vaccine Introduction
by Ahlem Fourati, Meriem Ben Hadj, Sonia Dhaouadi, Aicha Hechaichi, Hejer Letaief, Mouna Safer, Amal Cherif, Farah Saffar, Souhir Chelly, Hind Bouguerra, Asma Bahrini, Khouloud Talmoudi, Takoua Chouki, Olfa Hazgui, Naila Hannachi, Olfa Bahri and Nissaf Bouafif é p Ben Alaya
Vaccines 2026, 14(5), 373; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines14050373 - 23 Apr 2026
Viewed by 421
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Tunisia lacks recent national data on hepatitis B virus (HBV) prevalence, particularly following the introduction of universal HBV vaccination in 1995. A national HBV seroprevalence study is essential to guide prevention strategies. This study aimed to estimate the national seroprevalence of [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Tunisia lacks recent national data on hepatitis B virus (HBV) prevalence, particularly following the introduction of universal HBV vaccination in 1995. A national HBV seroprevalence study is essential to guide prevention strategies. This study aimed to estimate the national seroprevalence of HBV infection and identify its determinants 20 years after vaccine introduction. Methods: We conducted a nationwide, household-based, cross-sectional sero-epidemiological survey among a representative sample of the Tunisian general population using a two-stage cluster sampling method. The study was conducted by the National Observatory of New and Emerging Diseases (ONMNE) between December 2014 and June 2015. Data were collected using standardized questionnaires, and blood samples were tested using electrochemiluminescence (ECLIA) to detect HBV biomarkers (HBsAg, anti-HBc, anti-HBs). HBV infection was defined as the presence of HBsAg and/or anti-HBc with the absence of anti-HBs. Associations between HBV infection and explanatory variables (socio-demographics, vaccination status, intrafamilial transmission, and hospital exposures) were assessed using multivariate logistic regression, reporting adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: Among 21,720 participants, 19,155 (88.2%) were tested. The national prevalence of HBsAg was 1.7% (95% CI: 1.55–1.85%), higher among males (2.1%; 95% CI: 1.9–2.4%) than females (1.4%; 95% CI: 1.3–1.6%) (p < 0.001; M/F ratio = 1.48). The mean age of HBsAg-positive participants was 48 ± 15.7 years. Prevalence was highest in the Central (2.3%; 95% CI: 2.0–2.7%) and Southern regions (2.2%; 95% CI: 1.8–2.8%) (p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, independent risk factors for HBV infection included age >20 years (aOR = 15.10; 95% CI: 4.79–47.64; p < 0.001), having a family member with HBV infection (aOR = 2.82; 95% CI: 2.09–3.79; p < 0.001), residing in the Southern (aOR = 2.51; 95% CI: 1.76–2.71; p < 0.001) or Central region (aOR = 2.18; 95% CI: 1.76–2.71; p < 0.001), male gender (aOR = 1.69; 95% CI: 1.39–2.05; p < 0.001), and hospital follow-up (aOR = 1.23; 95% CI: 1.01–1.51; p = 0.039). HBV vaccination was strongly protective (aOR = 0.36; 95% CI: 0.20–0.62; p < 0.001). Conclusions: The national HBsAg seroprevalence in Tunisia was 1.7%, reflecting a low-endemic status. Vaccination programs should prioritize high-risk groups, including males, adults over 20 years, household contacts of HBV carriers, and residents of the Central and Southern regions. Strengthening infection prevention and control in healthcare settings and adopting intrafamilial precautions among high-risk populations are essential for long-term HBV control. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccination Against Viral Hepatitis for Prevention and Treatment)
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12 pages, 311 KB  
Article
Baseline Hepatitis B Immunity and Vaccination Booster Response Among Medical Residents: A Longitudinal Study in a Spanish Tertiary Hospital
by Victoria Salguero-Cano, Silvia Martínez-Martínez, Manuel González-Alcaide, Carmen Valero-Ubierna, Virginia Martínez-Ruiz, Mario Rivera-Izquierdo and Inmaculada Guerrero-Fernández de Alba
Vaccines 2026, 14(3), 280; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines14030280 - 23 Mar 2026
Viewed by 715
Abstract
Background: Despite universal infant hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccination, declining circulating anti-HBs levels are increasingly observed in young healthcare professionals, a high-risk group for occupational exposure. Although several studies have evaluated HBV antibody persistence in healthcare workers, data specifically addressing newly incorporated medical [...] Read more.
Background: Despite universal infant hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccination, declining circulating anti-HBs levels are increasingly observed in young healthcare professionals, a high-risk group for occupational exposure. Although several studies have evaluated HBV antibody persistence in healthcare workers, data specifically addressing newly incorporated medical residents in the Spanish context remain limited. This study evaluated baseline anti-HBs levels and serological response to a vaccination booster dose in medical residents at a Spanish tertiary hospital. Methods: A retrospective longitudinal observational study was conducted among medical residents attending the Preventive Medicine Service of Hospital Universitario San Cecilio (Granada, Spain) between 2021 and 2024. Anti-HBs antibody titers were obtained at baseline and ≥10 mIU/mL were considered the conventional protective threshold. Residents with anti-HBs < 10 mIU/mL received an Engerix-B booster followed by repeat serology. Demographic and occupational variables were analyzed. Measles serostatus was collected for comparisons. Results: A total of 275 residents were included (mean age 25.4 years, SD = 2.3 years; 64% females). Baseline serology showed anti-HBs levels < 10 mIU/mL in 53.1% of participants. Lower baseline anti-HBs levels were associated with younger age (adjusted OR = 0.75; 95% CI: 0.64–0.88) and earlier residency year (R1–R2) (adjusted OR = 0.28; 95% CI: 0.13–0.61). Among 116 residents receiving a booster, 94.8% achieved anti-HBs ≥ 10 mIU/mL after booster administration. Measles serology was negative in 54.6% of participants. Conclusions: More than half of newly incorporated medical residents had anti-HBs levels below the conventional protective threshold (10 mIU/mL), yet almost all demonstrated a strong anamnestic response, supporting the persistence of immunological memory despite reduced circulating antibody concentrations. Systematic baseline screening combined with targeted booster vaccination appears to be an effective strategy to ensure occupational protection. Further research incorporating cellular immunity markers may refine future vaccination policies and booster strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccination Against Viral Hepatitis for Prevention and Treatment)
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Review

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24 pages, 3154 KB  
Review
Hepatitis Vaccines: Recent Advances and Challenges
by Mei Lu, Yakun Liu, Lele Li, Xueke Liu, Bin Wu and Yingping Wu
Vaccines 2025, 13(11), 1174; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines13111174 - 20 Nov 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3112
Abstract
Viral hepatitis constitutes a substantial global public health challenge. The etiological agents, referred to as hepatitis viruses, are primarily categorized into five types: hepatitis A virus (HAV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), hepatitis D virus (HDV), and hepatitis E virus [...] Read more.
Viral hepatitis constitutes a substantial global public health challenge. The etiological agents, referred to as hepatitis viruses, are primarily categorized into five types: hepatitis A virus (HAV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), hepatitis D virus (HDV), and hepatitis E virus (HEV). Among the various preventive strategies, vaccination is widely acknowledged as the most cost-effective and efficient method for controlling viral hepatitis and its related hepatic complications. To date, numerous countries have initiated extensive vaccination programs targeting hepatitis A and hepatitis B. Advances in biotechnology have facilitated substantial progress in vaccine formulation design, the development of innovative adjuvants, and the utilization of novel vectors. However, significant challenges persist, including inadequate vaccination coverage, inconsistent immune responses among vulnerable populations, and concerns regarding vaccine safety. This article presents a systematic review of recent advancements, the current status of vaccination efforts, and ongoing challenges associated with hepatitis vaccines, with the objective of providing critical insights to support the World Health Organization’s goal of eliminating viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccination Against Viral Hepatitis for Prevention and Treatment)
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