Menu
10/05/2005
BMA calls for hepatitis B vaccine for children
All children in the UK should be immunised against the hepatitis B (HBV) virus, the British Medical Association (BMA) has said.
HBV, which can lead to cirrhosis of the liver, cancer and death, kills two people every minute and there are 350 million carriers of the virus worldwide, the BMA said.
Transmission of the virus is also on the increase in the UK – in England and Wales HBV notifications increased from 489 in 1992 to 1151 in 2003, an increase of 135%.
The BMA said that HBV is 50 to 100 times more infectious than the AIDS virus and is transmitted via contact with the blood or body fluids of an infected person. It can be passed from mother to child during childbirth, from child to child through open wounds, saliva as a result of biting and shared toys, as well as through the use of sharing items such as toothbrushes and razors.
HBV is difficult to treat in people who are already infected, and the BMA says that the most effective method to prevent HBV infection is through vaccination.
Currently in the UK, only those most at risk of HBV infections, such as babies born to mothers infected with the virus are vaccinated. The UK is one of only a few countries that does not routinely immunise babies against HBV. In 1997, the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommended that all children should be immunised against HBV.
Dr Sam Everington, Deputy Chairman of the BMA and an East London-based GP said: “It makes sense to immunise all children against hepatitis B. The vaccine is extremely safe and millions of babies around the world have been immunised and protected against a major cause of cancer.”
He added: “Hepatitis B related illness costs the NHS millions of pounds every year and causes untold suffering to patients. An immunisation programme will not only save lives but be more cost effective than treating liver disease and cancer caused by Hepatitis B.”
A spokesperson for the Department of Health stressed that Britain has one of the lowest rates of chronic hepatitis B infections in the world.
(KMcA)
HBV, which can lead to cirrhosis of the liver, cancer and death, kills two people every minute and there are 350 million carriers of the virus worldwide, the BMA said.
Transmission of the virus is also on the increase in the UK – in England and Wales HBV notifications increased from 489 in 1992 to 1151 in 2003, an increase of 135%.
The BMA said that HBV is 50 to 100 times more infectious than the AIDS virus and is transmitted via contact with the blood or body fluids of an infected person. It can be passed from mother to child during childbirth, from child to child through open wounds, saliva as a result of biting and shared toys, as well as through the use of sharing items such as toothbrushes and razors.
HBV is difficult to treat in people who are already infected, and the BMA says that the most effective method to prevent HBV infection is through vaccination.
Currently in the UK, only those most at risk of HBV infections, such as babies born to mothers infected with the virus are vaccinated. The UK is one of only a few countries that does not routinely immunise babies against HBV. In 1997, the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommended that all children should be immunised against HBV.
Dr Sam Everington, Deputy Chairman of the BMA and an East London-based GP said: “It makes sense to immunise all children against hepatitis B. The vaccine is extremely safe and millions of babies around the world have been immunised and protected against a major cause of cancer.”
He added: “Hepatitis B related illness costs the NHS millions of pounds every year and causes untold suffering to patients. An immunisation programme will not only save lives but be more cost effective than treating liver disease and cancer caused by Hepatitis B.”
A spokesperson for the Department of Health stressed that Britain has one of the lowest rates of chronic hepatitis B infections in the world.
(KMcA)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
17 January 2006
BMA warns against expanding private health care
Despite welcome record investment in the NHS in recent years, the quality of patient care may be compromised by the continued expansion of the role of the independent sector, the BMA has warned today, as it publishes its evidence to the Parliamentary Labour Party Health Committee (PLPHC).
BMA warns against expanding private health care
Despite welcome record investment in the NHS in recent years, the quality of patient care may be compromised by the continued expansion of the role of the independent sector, the BMA has warned today, as it publishes its evidence to the Parliamentary Labour Party Health Committee (PLPHC).
25 October 2004
UK must act now to defend itself against bio-terrorism, says BMA
If the development of biological and genetic weapons is not curtailed, it will be "virtually impossible" for Britain to defend itself from terrorist bio-weapons attack, according to the British Medical Association (BMA).
UK must act now to defend itself against bio-terrorism, says BMA
If the development of biological and genetic weapons is not curtailed, it will be "virtually impossible" for Britain to defend itself from terrorist bio-weapons attack, according to the British Medical Association (BMA).
13 October 2003
Scottish BMA warns against GP contract delay
The British Medical Association (BMA) has warned of the "potentially devastating repercussions" for general practice in Scotland if there is a delay in implementing legislation for new GP contracts. The BMA have detailed their concerns in a letter to Christine Grahame, the convenor of the Scottish Parliament's Health and Community Care Committee.
Scottish BMA warns against GP contract delay
The British Medical Association (BMA) has warned of the "potentially devastating repercussions" for general practice in Scotland if there is a delay in implementing legislation for new GP contracts. The BMA have detailed their concerns in a letter to Christine Grahame, the convenor of the Scottish Parliament's Health and Community Care Committee.
06 September 2011
Professional Bodies Slam Health Bill
A number of major professional medical bodies have slammed the Government's Health Bill, which is receiving its third reading in The Commons on Tuesday.
Professional Bodies Slam Health Bill
A number of major professional medical bodies have slammed the Government's Health Bill, which is receiving its third reading in The Commons on Tuesday.
13 January 2011
BMA Rejects Pay Cut
The British Medical Associations (BMA) has rejected a proposal to suspend pay increments for all NHS staff in England. NHS staff are already subject to a two-year pay freeze, but under proposals from NHS Employers, are being asked to agree a further cut and forego their incremental pay increases.
BMA Rejects Pay Cut
The British Medical Associations (BMA) has rejected a proposal to suspend pay increments for all NHS staff in England. NHS staff are already subject to a two-year pay freeze, but under proposals from NHS Employers, are being asked to agree a further cut and forego their incremental pay increases.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
