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What are the implications for adults who do not receive the hepatitis B vaccine?

Dec 02, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Huang Yuhong
Introduction
Adults who do not receive the hepatitis B vaccine may face increased health risks, including a higher probability of hepatitis B virus infection, chronic liver damage, greater risk of cirrhosis, elevated chances of developing liver cancer, and adverse impacts on daily life and work. Adults should promptly visit正规 medical institutions to test for hepatitis B antibodies, and those without antibodies should receive the vaccine as soon as possible.

Adults who do not receive the hepatitis B vaccine face increased health risks, which may generally include a higher probability of hepatitis B virus infection, chronic liver damage, increased risk of cirrhosis, elevated chances of developing liver cancer, and negative impacts on daily life and work. The specific analysis is as follows:

1. Increased risk of hepatitis B virus infection: When adults lack protective hepatitis B antibodies, the virus can easily invade the body and cause infection upon exposure to blood or bodily fluids from hepatitis B carriers. This risk is particularly high among healthcare workers and individuals frequently undergoing blood transfusions or dialysis.

2. Development of chronic liver damage: After hepatitis B virus infection, some adults may develop chronic hepatitis B. The virus continuously replicates in the liver, progressively damaging liver cells and leading to abnormal liver function, with symptoms such as fatigue, reduced appetite, and discomfort in the liver area.

3. Increased likelihood of cirrhosis: If chronic hepatitis B is not treated promptly, repeated injury and repair of liver cells may lead to liver fibrosis. Over time, this process can progress to cirrhosis, resulting in serious complications such as ascites and jaundice, impairing normal liver function.

4. Higher risk of liver cancer: Persistent hepatitis B virus infection is a major factor in the development of liver cancer. Without vaccination, long-term viral damage to the liver increases the likelihood of liver cell malignancy, posing a severe threat to life and health.

5. Negative impact on daily life and work: Individuals infected with the hepatitis B virus may require long-term treatment, increasing financial burden. Additionally, certain professions may impose restrictions on people with hepatitis B, affecting career development and overall quality of life.

Adults should promptly visit正规 medical institutions to test for hepatitis B antibodies. Those without antibodies should receive the vaccine as soon as possible. After vaccination, antibody levels should be regularly monitored to ensure sufficient protection, while taking precautions in daily life to avoid contact with blood or bodily fluids of unknown origin.

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