Prevalence of hepatitis B and C infection in a methadone clinic population: implications for hepatitis B vaccination.

Abstract

The high rates of hepatitis B exposure in injecting drug users on methadone treatment confirm the need for hepatitis B vaccination, particularly in view of their endemic hepatitis C infection. Monitoring of this group for the development of chronic liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma is recommended. Routine cost-free vaccination of patients on entering drug treatment, using a rapid vaccination schedule, may improve compliance.