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Hepatitis B risks and immunization coverage among American travelers
Bradley A Connor1, R Jake Jacobs, Allen S Meyerhoff
1Division of Gastroentesiogy and Hepatology, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY, USA.
Journal of Travel Medicine
|September 22, 2006
Summary
Most US travelers to hepatitis B endemic regions lack pre-travel advice and vaccination. Many face risks, yet few receive timely hepatitis B vaccine, highlighting a gap in traveler health preparedness.
Area of Science:
- Travel Medicine
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Hepatitis B is a global health concern, particularly endemic in regions frequented by American travelers.
- Limited data exist on hepatitis B risks, vaccination rates, and risk factor management among US international travelers.
- This study addresses the knowledge gap regarding domestic and travel-related hepatitis B risks for Americans.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess pre-travel health advice seeking behaviors among US international travelers.
- To determine the prevalence of hepatitis B risk factors and vaccination status in this population.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of current immunization strategies for travelers at risk.
Main Methods:
- A survey was administered to 884 American international travelers, with a 70% response rate.
- Data collected included demographics, travel history, pre-travel consultation sources, and hepatitis B vaccination status.
- Hepatitis B risk during travel was categorized as high, potential, or none based on exposure risk.
Main Results:
- Only 31% sought pre-travel health advice; 13% consulted travel medicine specialists.
- 45% reported domestic or travel-related hepatitis B risk, with 8% at high risk.
- Vaccination rates were suboptimal: 19% fully vaccinated overall, 30% among those with risk factors.
Conclusions:
- A significant proportion of US travelers to endemic areas lack adequate pre-travel health consultations and hepatitis B vaccination.
- Many travelers engage in activities or travel to regions posing hepatitis B risks, indicating a need for improved vaccination strategies.
- Targeted interventions are crucial to ensure US travelers at risk receive timely and complete hepatitis B immunization.
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