Us Congress House Bill HR338

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/28/23
• Refer: 4/28/23
• Refer: 5/5/23

Caption

Expressing support for the designation of April 30, 2023, as "National Adult Hepatitis B Vaccination Awareness Day".

Impact

By designating a specific day to focus on hepatitis B awareness, HR338 aims to mobilize healthcare providers and communities to support vaccination among susceptible populations. It is geared towards reducing health disparities, particularly in communities of color and those affected by the opioid crisis, who are disproportionately impacted by chronic hepatitis B infection. The bill supports an increased vaccination outreach effort that could lead to better health outcomes and lower healthcare costs associated with chronic liver diseases.

Summary

HR338 is a resolution expressing support for the designation of April 30, 2023, as 'National Adult Hepatitis B Vaccination Awareness Day'. The bill emphasizes the significance of raising awareness around hepatitis B, particularly among adults aged 18 and older, about the importance of testing and vaccination. It highlights alarming statistics that show only 30% of adults in the U.S. are vaccinated against hepatitis B and the rising cases of acute hepatitis B infections associated with drug use epidemics across various states. The bill encourages efforts to significantly increase vaccination rates to reduce the incidence of hepatitis B infections, which could lead to severe health complications such as liver cancer and cirrhosis.

Contention

While the bill focuses on raising awareness and increasing vaccination rates, some may argue about the challenges of addressing vaccine hesitancy and the need for targeted healthcare resources in underserved communities. Additionally, there may be concerns related to the effectiveness of awareness campaigns and whether they can translate into actual vaccination increases. There might also be discussions regarding the funding and support required to tackle the underlying causes of hepatitis B transmission and improve overall health resources within affected communities.