Why actively promote vaccination in patients with cirrhosis?

J Clin Virol. 2009 Nov;46(3):206-9. doi: 10.1016/j.jcv.2009.05.006. Epub 2009 Jun 4.

Abstract

Patients with cirrhosis are immunocompromised and have an increased risk of infection, with a worse outcome. Some of those infections may be prevented by vaccination. Immunization can reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with cirrhosis. Immunizations against hepatitis A and B viruses, influenza and pneumococcus are recommended by the French Haute Autorité de Santé since 2007. Vaccination against hepatitis A is recommended in non-immunized cirrhotic patients. Vaccination against hepatitis B is recommended in every cirrhotic patient with no serological markers, and post-vaccinal antibodies titer should be checked. Annual influenza immunization can be done in cirrhotic patients, and pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine should be repeated after 3-5 years. Few data regarding vaccination coverage are available, but studies suggest that immunization rates are too low in this population.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Hepatitis A / prevention & control
  • Hepatitis B / prevention & control
  • Humans
  • Influenza, Human / prevention & control
  • Liver Cirrhosis / immunology*
  • Liver Cirrhosis / virology*
  • Vaccination / statistics & numerical data*
  • Viral Vaccines / administration & dosage*
  • Virus Diseases / prevention & control*

Substances

  • Viral Vaccines