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10 year assessment of infant hepatitis B vaccination program, in the Loyalty Islands (New Caledonia)
Alain Berlioz-Arthaud1, Philippe Perolat, Yves Buisson
1Institut Pasteur de Nouvelle Calédonie, 12 rue Paul Doumer, BP 61, 98845 Nouméa Cedex, New Caledonia. aberloiz@pasteur.nc
Insights
Hepatitis B vaccination in New Caledonia shows good coverage but delayed primary doses impact prevalence reduction. A neonatal immunization program with preadolescent catch-up boosters is recommended for hepatitis B eradication.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
- Vaccinology
Background:
- Hepatitis B poses a significant global health challenge.
- Neonatal vaccination programs are crucial for controlling hepatitis B transmission.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the impact of a 10-year neonatal hepatitis B vaccination program in New Caledonia.
- To determine the necessity of booster doses for preadolescents.
Main Methods:
- A serological survey was conducted among 593 children aged 8-11 years in the Loyalty Islands.
- Analysis included antibodies to core and surface antigens and HBsAg detection.
Main Results:
- Vaccine coverage reached 93%, with 89% of children protected against hepatitis B.
- Despite high coverage, 8% had prior viral contact and 1.3% were carriers.
- 38% received their initial vaccination after 3 months of age, indicating delays.
Conclusions:
- Neonatal immunization is accepted and followed in New Caledonia.
- Delayed primary vaccination likely limited the expected reduction in hepatitis B prevalence.
- Hepatitis B eradication may be achievable with timely birth-dose vaccination and a comprehensive preadolescent catch-up program.
Objectives Of The Study:
To evaluate the decrease of hepatitis B prevalence in New Caledonia 10 years after the implementation of a neonatal vaccination program and discuss the need of any booster in preadolescents.
Method:
A survey was conducted in the Loyalty Islands, involving 593 children aged 8-11 years. Serological profiles were determined using three parameters: antibodies to core and surface antigens and HBs Ag.
Results:
The vaccine coverage rate is 93 and 89% of the children are protected against hepatitis B. However, 8% of them did have contact with the virus and 1.3% are carriers. Thirty-eight percent of the vaccinated children had their first injection later than the age of 3 months.
Conclusion:
This study attests that the neonatal immunisation is accepted and followed. The prevalence reduction is not as great as expected, probably due to excess delay in primary vaccination. Hepatitis B eradication could be achieved in New Caledonia by starting immunisation at birth, and by implementing a global catch-up program among preadolescents.
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