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Hepatitis A immunization strategies: universal versus targeted approaches.
R Jake Jacobs1, Allen S Meyerhoff, Thomas Zink
1Capitol Outcomes Research, Inc., Alexandria, VA 22310, USA.
Clinical Pediatrics
|October 8, 2005
Summary
Targeting high-risk adults for hepatitis A vaccination is an alternative to childhood immunization. Many adults meet criteria, suggesting childhood vaccination could prevent future adult cases and transmission.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Vaccinology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Hepatitis A vaccination strategies in the US primarily target high-risk adult populations.
- Nationwide childhood hepatitis A vaccination is an alternative approach to consider.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the proportion of US adults who have risk factors for hepatitis A, indicating potential future vaccination candidates.
- To evaluate the implications of adult-targeted vaccination versus childhood vaccination programs.
Main Methods:
- A confidential postal survey was administered to 1,034 US adults.
- Participants reported a lifetime history of hepatitis A risk factors.
- Data were analyzed to determine the percentage of adults meeting current and expanded immunization criteria.
Main Results:
- 49% of surveyed adults met current Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) criteria for hepatitis A immunization.
- 72% of adults met an expanded set of criteria for immunization.
- Adult vaccination is more costly per capita than childhood vaccination.
Conclusions:
- A significant proportion of US adults have hepatitis A risk factors, suggesting many will become vaccination candidates.
- Targeted adult vaccination may offer modest financial savings but lacks the benefits of reduced child-to-adult transmission seen with childhood vaccination.
- Childhood hepatitis A vaccination could be a more effective strategy for long-term disease prevention and transmission reduction.