Susceptible

For the interpretation of hepatitis B serologic test results, refer to this Table by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Patients with anti-HBs levels < 10 IU/L are considered susceptible to hepatitis B and should be offered immunization. We offer hepatitis B vaccination in susceptible refugees because these patients are likely to go back to their country of origin in the future to visit family and friends and will then be exposed to the virus. This is especially true for refugees from countries with a high hepatitis B prevalence (see Map).

Coverage for hepatitis B vaccination may vary depending on the province. If provincial coverage is an issue, the vaccine is covered by the IFHP (both hepatitis B alone and hepatitis A&B combination) and can be prescribed by a physician to be picked up at a pharmacy.