TAIPEI, Taiwan-Health officials in Taiwan are patting themselves on the back after research revealed universal vaccinations against hepatitis B has significantly decreased rates of the infectious disease.
Presented in an article in the Annals of Internal Medicine, officials from National Taiwan University Hospital in Taipei examined two groups during their research. More than 1300 children under the age of 15 were screened for hepatitis B. Within the group, 0.7% were infected. In comparison, a group of people aged 15-20 were screened and found to have a 7% infection rate.
Universal vaccinations against the viral disease were implemented before the first group was born, significantly limiting the number of chronic carriers of hepatitis B.
However, health officials pragmatically noted that the country is still suffering from an epidemic of the disease and will continue to fight the virus until the entire population can be vaccinated before given the opportunity to become infected.
There are now more than 110 countries globally that have implemented mass vaccination programs to combat hepatitis B. All children in the US are supposed to be vaccinated against the virus at birth, however still more than 80,000 Americans are estimated to be infected with the disease.
Information from www.givenimaging.com, www.cdc.gov
A Helping Hand: Innovative Approaches to Expanding Hand Hygiene Programs in Acute Care Settings
July 9th 2025Who knew candy, UV lights, and a college kid in scrubs could double hand hygiene adherence? A Pennsylvania hospital’s creative shake-up of its infection prevention program shows that sometimes it takes more than soap to get hands clean—and keep them that way.
Broadening the Path: Diverse Educational Routes Into Infection Prevention Careers
July 4th 2025Once dominated by nurses, infection prevention now welcomes professionals from public health, lab science, and respiratory therapy—each bringing unique expertise that strengthens patient safety and IPC programs.
How Contaminated Is Your Stretcher? The Hidden Risks on Hospital Wheels
July 3rd 2025Despite routine disinfection, hospital surfaces, such as stretchers, remain reservoirs for harmful microbes, according to several recent studies. From high-touch areas to damaged mattresses and the effectiveness of antimicrobial coatings, researchers continue to uncover persistent risks in environmental hygiene, highlighting the critical need for innovative, continuous disinfection strategies in health care settings.