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Vaccination against hepatitis viruses in Poland
1Department of Sera and Vaccines Evaluation, National Institute of Hygiene, Chocimska st. 24, 00-791, Warsaw, Poland. jslusarczyk@pzh.gov.pl
Vaccine
|March 21, 2001
Summary
Vaccination against Hepatitis B (HBV) in Poland shifted from targeted groups to universal newborn immunization in 1993, significantly reducing HBV incidence. Hepatitis A (HAV) vaccination is recommended for specific risk groups and following natural disasters.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Vaccinology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Hepatitis A (VH-A) and Hepatitis B (VH-B) are vaccine-preventable viral hepatitis types.
- Hepatitis D (VH-D) is indirectly preventable through VH-B vaccination.
- Recombinant VH-B vaccines replaced earlier plasma-derived versions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of VH-B vaccination strategies in Poland.
- To assess changes in VH-B incidence following immunization program modifications.
- To outline current recommendations for VH-A vaccination.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of VH-B incidence data in Poland before and after vaccination program changes.
- Description of the phased introduction of universal newborn VH-B vaccination.
- Review of vaccination recommendations for VH-A.
Main Results:
- Initial targeted VH-B vaccination in high-risk groups showed limited epidemiological impact.
- Universal newborn VH-B vaccination, implemented from 1993 and fully by 1996, correlated with a significant decrease in VH-B incidence (from 40.3/100,000 in 1989 to 9.1/100,000 in 1999).
- VH-A vaccination experience in Poland is limited, with recommendations for specific populations and in response to events like floods.
Conclusions:
- The shift to universal newborn vaccination against VH-B in Poland has been effective in reducing disease incidence.
- Targeted vaccination strategies alone were insufficient for major epidemiological changes.
- Current VH-A vaccination recommendations address specific risk groups and public health emergencies.
