Hepatitis B mass immunization of adolescents: A pilot study in a community

Abstract

The National Type Specific Hepatitis Surveillance System (SEIEVA) and seroepidemiological studies have shown that in addition to newborns from mothers who are carriers for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), adolescents are at high risk of acquiring type B hepatitis virus because of increasing importance of the heterosexual transmission of this virus. In order to evaluate logistic problems and acceptance rate of adolescents to mass vaccination against hepatitis B, a pilot study was carried out among all 7th grade children registered in the 9 schools of an hepatitis B endemic area located in the suburbs of Naples. After meetings held by the local health department with school teachers and parents, 1219 out of 1250 (97.5%) invited children received the first dose of hepatitis B vaccine; 1215 and 1209 received, respectively, the second and third doses. Anti-hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs) values were studied in 406 subjects one month after the third dose, and 21 out of 406 (5.2%) had anti-HBs values less than 10 IU/L. We consider 95% of subjects with anti-HBs values greater than 9 IU/L a good achievement for a field vaccination program. The high acceptance rate of vaccination found in our study outlines the importance of active offer of vaccination combined with school involvement.

Eficacia de la inmunización contra el antígeno de superficie de la hepatitis B en estudiantes de la Facultad de Odontología de la Universidad Autónoma de Manizales, Colombia, 1997

“…T. Stroffolini, etal. (1992) (17) en preescolares (26-28) y adolescentes (29). En este un estudio sobre pacientes adultos señalaba que mismo sentido, se está trabajando actualmente hay inmunización exitosaen 61% y, en recién na-en el pais.…”

Evaluation of an Intervention Program to Increase Immunization Compliance Among School Children

“…However, the intervention program may also provide incentives as well as involve record-keeping strategies and the administration of immunizations on campus (Task Force on Community Preventive Services, 2009). There is evidence to support the effectiveness of each of these interventions, both improving immunization compliance while also being cost effective (Castleman, 2010; CDC, 2010b; Deuson et al, 1999; Plaitano et al, 1993). Although some interventions such as immunizations offered on campus appear to be the most effective, it is the combination of several of these interventions used concurrently (i.e., education and incentive or incentives and on-campus administration) that further bolsters effectiveness (Shefer et al, 1999).…”

Adolescent hepatitis B immunisation—should it be the law?

“…Encouraging schools to maintain accurate and complete student certification records could be achieved by linking record-keeping to provision of certain educational allowances, or using record-keeping as a key indicator of school performance in the area of student health. Although uptake rates of 90-95% are possible in voluntary school-based hepatitis B immunisation programs, 26,27 these programs required much school support and school-parent-provider cooperation. This is not surprising given there is substantial evidence to indicate that adolescent health promotion is most successful in achieving outcomes if delivered in a supportive school environment, with involvement of parents and local community.…”