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Hepatitis B vaccination targeted at behavioural risk groups in the Netherlands: does it work?
R van Houdt1, F D H Koedijk, S M Bruisten
1Public Health Service, Department of Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Vaccine
|May 26, 2009
Summary
The Netherlands
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
- Vaccinology
Background:
- The Netherlands implemented a vaccination program targeting behavioral risk groups in November 2002.
- Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a public health concern.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of a targeted HBV vaccination program in the Netherlands between 2003 and 2007.
- To assess program coverage, compliance, and effectiveness in reducing acute HBV infections.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of reported acute HBV cases from January 2003 to December 2007.
- Evaluation of vaccination program data, including participant numbers, compliance rates, and estimated population coverage.
- Identification of transmission modes and predominant HBV genotypes.
Main Results:
- A decline in reported acute HBV cases from 326 in 2003 to 220 in 2007.
- Sexual intercourse identified as the primary transmission route (65%), particularly among men who have sex with men.
- Program achieved 12% coverage of the at-risk population with 62% compliance among vaccinated participants.
Conclusions:
- The targeted HBV vaccination program showed a modest reduction in acute cases but insufficient coverage to substantially decrease HBV incidence.
- Current strategies indicate a need for enhanced efforts to reach at-risk populations.
- Universal vaccination should be considered as a potential strategy to further reduce HBV prevalence in the Netherlands.
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