Department of Public Health - HSE Dublin and Midlands leads initiative to strengthen Public Health response to chronic hepatitis B
Hepatitis B notifications and the Public Health response
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a vaccine-preventable disease and a key target in Ireland’s commitment to eliminate viral hepatitis as a major public health threat by 2030, in line with the WHO Global Health Sector Strategy on Viral Hepatitis (2022–2030). Our Public Health team receives approximately 30% of all national chronic HBV notifications annually. In accordance with best practice, household and sexual contacts of individuals living with hepatitis B without evidence of immunity should be offered testing and vaccination.
What we implemented
Since February 2024, our team has adopted a proactive model of care by directly providing patient education, conducting contact tracing for chronic hepatitis B notifications and completing enhanced surveillance forms. Previously, this responsibility was delegated to the notifying clinician. This shift ensures a more consistent and equitable public health response, enhancing care for individuals living with HBV and their contacts.
Impact and results (Year 1)
In its first year, our initiative responded to 100 chronic HBV notifications, identified and assessed 200 contacts, and referred 83 individual contacts for hepatitis B testing and vaccination. Enhanced surveillance form completion rose from 50% in 2023 to 70% in 2024 - a 40% relative increase - significantly enriching regional epidemiological data. A full evaluation is underway, including patient-reported experience measures.
Building sustainable infrastructure
A cornerstone of this initiative has been the establishment of a regional Department of Public Health Hepatitis B Multidisciplinary Team (MDT). This specialised team manages notifications in a culturally sensitive and socially responsive manner. They have developed bespoke and translated patient information materials and fostered strong partnerships with sexual health clinics, hospital services, and NGOs supporting marginalised communities. Our efforts are laying the groundwork for a coordinated, inclusive and sustainable regional response to hepatitis B.
Advocating for vaccination
Hepatitis B can cause long term infection that leads to liver disease. This can lead to death from liver cancer or cirrhosis. About 1 in 3 chronic carriers will develop cirrhosis or liver cancer. It is particularly likely to cause long term infection in babies and children.
But the good news is that hepatitis B is preventable by using a safe and effective vaccine.
This vaccine is given to babies as part of their Primary Childhood Immunisations. They receive their first dose at 2 months of age. If you are in a position to advocate for this with parents, please do.
The vaccine should also be given to people at higher risk from hepatitis B, including health care professionals.
Visit immunisation.ie for information.
