May marks Hepatitis Awareness Month, a national observance that sheds light on the public health threat posed by viral hepatitis and emphasizes the importance of vaccination and prevention. For medical providers and pharmacies, it’s an ideal time to raise awareness, encourage immunization, and ensure affordable access to the vaccines that protect patients from Hepatitis A and B.

At USPPG (U.S. Physicians’ Purchasing Group), we’re proud to support this mission by offering deeply discounted pricing on hepatitis vaccines through our trusted contracts with GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and Dynavax. Membership is always free, and providers order directly through their preferred distributors—just as they normally would.

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Why Hepatitis Vaccination Matters

Viral hepatitis can lead to serious health problems, including liver damage, cirrhosis, and even liver cancer. The CDC recommends hepatitis vaccination for:

• Infants and young children
• Adults at risk for infection
• Travelers to regions with high hepatitis prevalence
• Healthcare workers and first responders
• People with chronic health conditions

As a provider, ensuring your patients have access to timely immunization—especially during Hepatitis Awareness Month—can make a lasting difference in public health.

What’s the Difference Between Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B?

Both Hepatitis A and B are viral infections that affect the liver, but they differ in how they spread, the severity of the illness, and vaccination recommendations. Here’s a side-by-side comparison to help your practice educate patients:

Feature	Hepatitis A	Hepatitis B
Cause	Hepatitis A virus (HAV)	Hepatitis B virus (HBV)
Transmission	Fecal-oral route (contaminated food/water, close contact)	Blood, semen, or other bodily fluids (sexual contact, needles, childbirth)
Severity	Usually acute and self-limiting	Can be acute or chronic; chronic cases can lead to cirrhosis or liver cancer
Vaccine Available	Yes – Havrix® (GSK)	Yes – Engerix-B® (GSK), Heplisav-B® (Dynavax), Twinrix® (combination)
At-Risk Groups	Travelers, people in areas with poor sanitation, people in close contact with infected individuals	Healthcare workers, people with multiple sex partners, people who inject drugs, infants born to infected mothers
Vaccine Schedule	Two doses (0 and 6–12 months)	Three doses (0, 1, and 6 months) or two-dose option with Heplisav-B (0 and 1 month)

Hepatitis Vaccines Available Through USPPG Contracts

GSK Vaccines:

• Pediarix® – Combines DTaP, HepB, and IPV (polio); used in the pediatric schedule
• Engerix-B® (Pediatric & Adult) – Hepatitis B vaccine suitable for routine immunization
• Havrix® (Pediatric & Adult) – A safe and effective option for hepatitis A protection
• Twinrix® – A combined Hepatitis A & B vaccine ideal for travel or high-risk groups

Dynavax Vaccine:

• Heplisav-B® – A two-dose Hepatitis B vaccine for adults, offering quicker protection and higher seroprotection rates compared to traditional vaccines

These vaccines are available at significantly reduced prices through USPPG’s negotiated contracts. Members benefit from transparent pricing, direct ordering, and dedicated support—without changing their current workflow or distributors.

Free Membership, Simple Savings

Joining USPPG is quick and completely free. Once enrolled, members gain access to:

• Exclusive discounts on hepatitis and other vaccines
• Direct ordering through preferred distributors like McKesson and Cardinal Health
• Contract pricing from top manufacturers including GSK, Dynavax, Sanofi, Pfizer, and more
• No minimums, no hidden fees, and no commitment to order volumes

Whether you’re an independent physician, group practice, or retail pharmacy, USPPG helps you cut vaccine costs while improving patient care.

Join USPPG Today and Make a Greater Impact During Hepatitis Awareness Month

This May, take a proactive step toward better patient protection and practice savings. By becoming a USPPG member, you’ll join thousands of providers who trust us to deliver the best vaccine pricing without the hassle.