American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM) Practice Exam

For a 45-year-old male with diabetes who has not received vaccination previously, which vaccine is recommended?

1. Hepatitis A

2. Hepatitis B

3. Meningococcal

4. Varicella zoster

The correct answer is: Hepatitis B

For a 45-year-old male with diabetes who has not received vaccination previously, the recommendation for the Hepatitis B vaccination is based on the increased risk that individuals with diabetes have for contracting Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all adults with diabetes aged 19 to 59 years receive the Hepatitis B vaccine. For individuals aged 60 and older, vaccination should be considered based on individual risk factors and the likelihood of exposure. Diabetes can compromise the immune system, making vaccinated individuals more vulnerable to infections. The Hepatitis B vaccine is particularly important as this virus can lead to significant liver disease, including chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Therefore, ensuring vaccination in this population is a vital preventive health measure. Other vaccine choices could be important but are not prioritized under the same guidelines for this particular demographic. Hepatitis A vaccination is typically recommended based on risk factors associated with travel or exposure, meningococcal vaccines are usually recommended for specific high-risk groups or during outbreaks, and varicella-zoster vaccination is recommended primarily for those without a history of chickenpox or vaccination, particularly in younger populations. Thus, they do not carry the same