Evolution of the Viral Hepatitis Prevention Board--VHPB.

The Viral Hepatitis Prevention Board (VHPB) was formed in 1992 to provide authoritative information and advice on hepatitis B as an occupational hazard and to act as a scientific lobby group to promote hepatitis B vaccination as part of an overall risk reduction strategy. The VHPB published Viral Hepatitis, a newsletter whose format and content was designed to appeal to both professional and lay readers seeking information on hepatitis. The VHPB was successful in lobbying the European Parliament to add the Code of Practice on Vaccination to legislation protecting workers from occupationally acquired infections.

Evolution of the Viral Hepatitis Prevention Board.

The Viral Hepatitis Prevention Board (VHPB), an independent, international group of experts, was formed in 1992 to raise awareness about the risks of viral hepatitis and the need to prevent the disease. The VHPB's first initiative was an Action on Hepatitis B as an Occupational Hazard, under the auspices of the Society of Occupational Medicine. The objectives of this action were to increase the protection of workers at risk from infection with hepatitis B.