This resolution expresses support for designating April 30, 2025, as "National Adult Hepatitis B Vaccination Awareness Day" to promote adult testing, vaccination, and care to combat the rising threat of chronic Hepatitis B infection and liver cancer.
Henry "Hank" Johnson
Representative
GA-4
This resolution expresses strong support for designating April 30, 2025, as "National Adult Hepatitis B Vaccination Awareness Day." It highlights the significant number of undiagnosed chronic Hepatitis B cases in the U.S. and the severe long-term health risks, such as liver cancer. The bill encourages increased testing, vaccination among susceptible adults, and prompt care for those diagnosed to curb rising infection rates.
Congress Backs April 30th Awareness Day to Boost Adult Hepatitis B Testing and Vaccination
This resolution is Congress throwing its official support behind designating April 30, 2025, as "National Adult Hepatitis B Vaccination Awareness Day." Essentially, it’s a formal statement recognizing a major public health gap: too many adults are at risk for Hepatitis B, and they don’t even know it. This isn't a new law or a spending bill; it’s a focused push to get the word out about testing and prevention.
The Silent Threat You Need to Know About
Here’s why this matters to you: Hepatitis B is a silent, chronic infection that attacks the liver, and up to 2.4 million people in the U.S. have it. The scary part is that roughly two-thirds of those infected don't know their status. Since the vaccine has been routine for kids since the 1990s, many adults in the 25–45 age bracket might think they’re covered, but the resolution points out that only about 30 percent of adults aged 19 to 59 have actually been vaccinated. This gap is a problem because untreated Hepatitis B can lead to liver cancer or cirrhosis—and the five-year survival rate for liver cancer is grim at only 18 percent.
Why This Is More Than Just a Health Issue
This resolution highlights that rising cases of Hepatitis B are often linked to the opioid crisis, with 36 percent of new cases among people who inject drugs. While that might sound distant, it affects everyone because Hepatitis B is far more contagious than HIV or Hepatitis C, making community-wide prevention critical. The resolution’s goal is to encourage three specific actions for adults 18 and older: get tested for Hepatitis B at least once, get vaccinated if you are susceptible, and ensure anyone diagnosed gets connected to medical care quickly. The idea is to use this awareness day to drive down new infections and prevent future liver disease.
The Real-World Impact of an Awareness Day
While a resolution doesn't force anyone to do anything, it gives public health organizations, employers, and healthcare providers a clear mandate to focus efforts. For the average person, this means you’re likely to see more reminders from your doctor’s office or local clinics about getting tested. If you’re a busy parent or professional, this is the official policy nudge reminding you that preventative care—like getting the highly effective Hepatitis B vaccine—is crucial. By formally recognizing the problem, Congress is signaling that adult vaccination rates need to move beyond 30 percent to protect communities and reduce the long-term healthcare costs associated with liver disease.