Establishing a viral hepatitis prevention and control program: Florida's experience.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Infectious Diseases
• Vaccinology

Background:

• Hepatitis C virus (HCV) poses a significant public health concern.
• The Florida State Legislature established the Hepatitis Prevention Program (HPP) in 1999 to combat viral hepatitis.
• County Health Departments (CHDs) are key providers of prevention services.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact and services provided by the Florida Hepatitis Prevention Program (HPP).
• To assess the reach of HPP-supported viral hepatitis prevention services to at-risk adults in Florida.

Main Methods:

• HPP provides funding and resources to CHDs for prevention services.
• Services include Hepatitis A and B vaccination, serologic testing for Hepatitis B and C.
• Statewide education, consultation, and referral services are also supported.

Main Results:

• From 2001-2005, over 59,000 Hepatitis A and 74,000 Hepatitis B vaccinations were administered.
• In 2005, nearly 17,000 Hepatitis B and C tests were supported by HPP.
• January-June 2005 saw 1,603 positive HCV tests, indicating a 9.5% seropositivity rate.

Conclusions:

• HPP has successfully supported CHDs in delivering substantial viral hepatitis prevention services.
• Significant funding through 2006 underscores the program's ongoing importance.
• The program has demonstrably contributed to managing the public health burden of viral hepatitis in Florida.