Hepatitis B vaccination rate of homeless children in Baltimore

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Immunization
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection poses a significant health risk.
• Vaccination is a key preventive measure against HBV.
• Homeless children represent a vulnerable population with potential barriers to healthcare access.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the hepatitis B vaccination rates among homeless children aged 2 to 18 years in Baltimore City.
• To identify age-related disparities in hepatitis B vaccine coverage within this population.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 250 homeless children from shelters in Baltimore City was enrolled over 21 months.
• Vaccination status was assessed, and vaccine histories were cross-referenced with the Baltimore Immunization Registry Program.
• Data analysis focused on the percentage of children who received 3 or more doses of the hepatitis B vaccine.

Main Results:

• Hepatitis B vaccine coverage was inversely related to age: 90% for 2-5 year olds versus 29% for 13-18 year olds.
• Vaccine record completeness varied, with only half of younger children's histories being complete in the registry.
• A substantial proportion of older children (10-18 years) were either unvaccinated or had received only one dose of the hepatitis B vaccine.

Conclusions:

• Homeless children under 10 years old generally have high hepatitis B vaccine coverage.
• The majority of homeless children aged 10 and older remain unprotected against hepatitis B.
• Current methods for tracking vaccine records are labor-intensive, necessitating improved public health strategies for HBV vaccination in older homeless children.