The legal framework
Hong Kong had one of the higher prevalences in the world before introducing universal infant vaccination in 1988. Among people born since, prevalence has fallen to very low levels, while older cohorts still carry a substantial burden. Antenatal screening is universal and chronic carriers are monitored in specialist clinics.
Hong Kong introduced universal neonatal hepatitis B vaccination in 1988, and chronic infection among people born since then is rare, while prevalence among older cohorts remains meaningful. Antenatal screening is universal, and infants of positive mothers receive immunoglobulin as well as the vaccine, with follow-up testing.
Key points
| Infant vaccination | Universal since 1988, with a birth dose |
|---|---|
| Older cohorts | Substantial prevalence among people born before the programme |
| Antenatal screening | Universal |
| Babies of carriers | Vaccine and immunoglobulin at birth |
| Testing | Available through public and private services |
| Treatment | Provided through public specialist clinics |
| Monitoring | Liver cancer surveillance for chronic carriers |
In practice
- If you were born before 1988, ask for testing: that cohort was not vaccinated.
- Chronic carriers should have ultrasound surveillance twice a year.
- Household contacts should be tested and vaccinated.
- Ask for all three serological markers in one request.
Cost and coverage
Testing and treatment are heavily subsidised in the public system.
Where to go
- Department of Health clinics and hospital specialist services.
- Maternal and child health centres.
- Hepatitis patient support organisations.
Worth knowing
The transformation of prevalence between pre-1988 and post-1988 cohorts is one of the clearest demonstrations anywhere of what infant vaccination achieves.
Frequently asked questions
Who should be tested in Hong Kong?
Anyone born before 1988, anyone with a family history, and anyone from a high-prevalence area. Testing is available through the Department of Health, private clinics and community programmes, and identifies people who can benefit from monitoring or treatment.
What does a positive result mean for a partner?
The partner should be tested and, if neither immune nor already vaccinated, vaccinated — the vaccine is highly effective and settles the question permanently. Condoms protect in the meantime. Chronic hepatitis B is not a reason to end a relationship: effective treatment suppresses the virus to very low levels, and a vaccinated partner is protected.
Official sources and links
- GovHK — official government portal