Vaccine Preventable Diseases: Hepatitis B Virus
ACPE Activity Number: 0204-0000-26-160-H06-P/T
Release Date: 09/26/2026
Expiration Date: 09/26/2029
Activity Type: Knowledge-based
CE Credits: 0.25 contact hour, no partial credit
Activity Fee: Member – Free / Non-Member – Not Available
Activity Overview
This episode examines hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection through the lens of the health system pharmacist. The discussion covers the dramatic epidemiologic impact of universal childhood HBV vaccination since 1991, the serious complications of chronic HBV infection including cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, and the healthcare team's responsibilities when a patient is suspected of having hepatitis B, including public health reporting and linkage to care. A major focus of the episode is the December 2025 ACIP vote that replaced the universal hepatitis B birth-dose recommendation with shared clinical decision-making for infants of HBsAg-negative mothers, the controversy surrounding this change, and what it means for pharmacists in health systems. The episode concludes with practical guidance on how pharmacists can serve as trusted resources for caregivers and patients navigating hepatitis B vaccine decisions.
Accreditation
Target Audience
Learning Objectives
After completing this activity, the learner should be able to…
- Describe the incidence and burden of hepatitis B in the United States before and after the introduction of universal childhood vaccination.
- Identify the major complications of chronic hepatitis B infection, including cirrhosis, hepatic decompensation, and hepatocellular carcinoma.
- Summarize the December 2025 ACIP recommendation change from universal birth-dose HBV vaccination to shared clinical decision-making and its potential public health implications.
- Describe the role of health system pharmacists in implementing HBV vaccination and screening recommendations, counseling caregivers, and supporting institutional immunization programs.
Schedule of Activities
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Introduction and Announcements
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Presentation
Faculty
Jordan Burdine, PharmD, MBA, BCPPS, FTSHP
System Clinical Pharmacy Specialist - Neonatology and Pediatrics
Memorial Hermann Health System
Houston, TX
Norman E Fenn III, PharmD, BCPS, BCPPS, FASHP, FPPA
Clinical Associate Professor
Manchester University College of Health Professions, Nursing, & Pharmacy
Fort Wayne, IN
Relevant Financial Relationship Disclosure
In accordance with our accreditor’s Standards of Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education, ASHP requires that all individuals in control of content disclose all financial relationships with ineligible companies. An individual has a relevant financial relationship if they have had a financial relationship with an ineligible company in any dollar amount in the past 24 months and the educational content that the individual controls is related to the business lines or products of the ineligible company.
An ineligible company is any entity producing, marketing, re-selling, or distributing health care goods or services consumed by, or used on, patients. The presence or absence of relevant financial relationships will be disclosed to the activity audience.
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No one in control of the content of this activity has a relevant financial relationship (RFR) with an ineligible company.
Methods and CE Requirements
Per ACPE requirements, CPE credit must be claimed within 60 days of being earned. Once you have processed and claimed your CE credit, we encourage you to check your NABP eProfile account to verify your credits were transferred successfully before the ACPE 60-day deadline. It is an electronic direct-report process so your credits should appear in your account within a few minutes. After the 60 day deadline, ASHP will no longer be able to report your credit(s) for this activity.