Hepatitis E Vaccine's Two Doses Found Effective in Epidemic

A recent study confirmed the protection provided by two doses of the Hecolin® Hepatitis E vaccine, even during an epidemic, and the reduction in the incidence of the disease.

"Our results and others helped lead to recent approval by WHO's International Coordinating Group (ICG) on Vaccine Provision of a stockpile of hepatitis E vaccines for emergencies, stated Andrew Azman, an epidemiologist at the UNIGE-HUG Centre for Emerging Viral Diseases,  MSF and JHU, who led this research published by The Lancet, in a press release on January 14, 2025.

Hepatitis E, stemming from the hepatitis E virus (HEV), is a widespread liver ailment, contributing to around 20 million cases. Its impact is notably more severe in developing nations like India and Bangladesh than in developed nations.

Hepatitis E is a viral infection that is particularly dangerous for pregnant women and people with chronic illnesses, with a mortality rate of up to 10-50%. Vertical transmission rates of the virus range from 27% to 78%.

"Symptoms of hepatitis E are similar to other diseases that cause acute jaundice, making it difficult to detect. While we don't have precise global burden estimates, some have put it at around 50,000 fatalities yearly," explains Azman.

"This (ICG) stockpile has the potential to save many lives, and we're looking forward to seeing it put into action. These results have also already contributed to the WHO recommendations on using a two-dose schedule", concluded Azman.

The Hecolin vaccine was licensed in some countries in 2011 and is typically given in three doses.

Since 2015, the World Health Organization has recommended its use in outbreak settings.

In the United States, hepatitis E is relatively underexplored, and vaccine development for this disease has not been a priority.