Hepatitis B immunization in adolescents

High Prevalence of Hepatitis B Virus Infection in Young Adults in Ternate, Eastern Indonesia

“…This is of concern, because it occurs in young subjects that are usually in the immune-tolerant phase of chronic hepatitis B with normal physical and laboratory examination, but at risks of developing advanced liver diseases or liver cancer, with lifetime potentials as source of HBV infection. 1,2,8,26 It is also worthy to note that 56.4% of the study population showed seronegativity for all hepatitis B serological markers, indicating susceptibility to HBV infection. It draws attention to the urgent necessity to reevaluate hepatitis B prevention and control strategy, particularly in protecting susceptible individuals against the environment with potentially high HBV transmission.…”

“…2,42 This population segment could be regarded as the "missing generation," with no currently available clinical guidelines targeting hepatitis B immunization to this age group, while they belong to the cohort entering the adult communities and may engage in activities that put them at risk for HBV infection. 2,26,41 Implications of chronic liver diseases in this generation will result in significant socioeconomic burden, particularly when they enter productive ages, both by the loss of effective working individuals and the increase of health-related costs. 26,42 In addition, they also play important roles in HBV transmission for their entire lifetime: both vertically from parents to children, and horizontally to the community.…”

“…2,26,41 Implications of chronic liver diseases in this generation will result in significant socioeconomic burden, particularly when they enter productive ages, both by the loss of effective working individuals and the increase of health-related costs. 26,42 In addition, they also play important roles in HBV transmission for their entire lifetime: both vertically from parents to children, and horizontally to the community. 26,[40][41][42][43] This study intended to analyze the disease burden in young adults of Ternate and its implications as an input in hepatitis B management, especially in communities that experience difficulties in accessing health facilities-both because of their relative isolation and lower socioeconomic condition.…”

“…Young adultsespecially adolescents-are in the age group with the tendency of risky behavior, putting them at higher risk of HBV exposure. 26 In addition, from the socioeconomic point of view, the study population of Ternate can be considered as a representative for other communities in eastern Indonesia, which commonly have less access to health care, because of their relative isolations in small islands or remote areas, in combination with lower gross domestic product per capita. [27][28][29] This study was carried out to determine the epidemiology of HBV infection in young adult population of Ternate, both *Address correspondence to David H. Muljono, Eijkman Institute for Molecular Biology, Jalan Diponegoro 69, Jakarta 10430, Indonesia.…”

Substance Abuse and High-Risk Needle-Related Behaviors Among Homeless Youth in Minneapolis: Implications for Prevention

“…Because homeless youths may be outside traditional clinical or school settings in which hepatitis B vaccine is often offered, innovative strategies are needed that increase access to immunizations in convenient settings. 39,40 Examples of other health locations at which immunizations may be given include sexually transmitted disease, public health, and family planning clinics, as well as substance abuse treatment programs. 39,41 Vaccinations may also be offered using community outreach workers or mobile units or at nontraditional sites such as syringe-exchange programs, parks, and other locations where at-risk individuals are likely to congregate.…”