People who inject drugs (PWID) and people who use drugs (PWUD) face a heightened risk of contracting hepatitis viruses, particularly Hepatitis C (HCV) and Hepatitis B (HBV). In order to address this risk, a systematic screening process for Hepatitis B is recommended for PWID/PWUD, following their informed consent. Those who test negative for Hepatitis B will then be offered vaccination. This vaccination effort extends to both PWID/PWUD and healthcare workers. Given the sometimes turbulent and unstable lifestyles of this population, an accelerated vaccination schedule, consisting of doses administered on days 0, 7, and 21, will be employed. In the case of individuals with HIV infection, a double-dose regimen will be administered alongside the vaccination.
Considering the elevated prevalence of HCV among PWID, testing and treatment for HCV are provided whenever resources permit. Additionally, as part of baseline testing for antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation, testing for HCV is offered. This approach ensures that individuals with HIV infection who are initiating ART receive comprehensive screening, including HCV testing, to identify and address any coexisting HCV infection. The availability of resources plays a crucial role in determining the accessibility of testing and subsequent treatment for HCV among PWID and those initiating ART.
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