The State of Hepatitis B in Florida in 2025: Current Challenges and Health Disparities

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Authors: Cameron Nejat
Cited by: 0
References: 3

Abstract

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a significant public health challenge in Florida despite advancements in prevention and treatment. This review analyses the current epidemiology, disease burden and management strategies for hepatitis B in Florida as of 2025, drawing on state surveillance data and recent public health reports. Florida continues to experience higher rates of both acute and chronic hepatitis B compared to national averages, with pronounced racial, ethnic and geographic disparities. Rural areas face disproportionately high rates of acute infections, while chronic infections are more concentrated in urban centres. Despite established prevention strategies-including vaccination, perinatal prevention programs and adult testing initiatives-critical gaps persist in service delivery and care engagement. This review also highlights the growing challenges posed by declining childhood immunisation rates and limited harm reduction services in high-burden areas. Finally, we examine Florida's progress toward the World Health Organization's 2030 hepatitis elimination targets, underscoring the urgent need for expanded screening, improved linkage to care and strategies that address the social determinants driving transmission.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Hepatitis B Virus Studies Hepatitis C virus research Vaccine Coverage and Hesitancy

Publication details

Journal / source
Journal of Viral Hepatitis
Volume
33
Issue
2
Pages
e70136–e70136
Publication date
19 January 2026
Language
EN