[Compliance of hepatitis-b virus vaccination in newborns in Lima and Callao]

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Vaccinology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a significant global health concern, particularly for newborns who are at high risk of perinatal transmission.
• Effective vaccination strategies are crucial for preventing chronic HBV infection and its long-term consequences, including cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the compliance and coverage rates of hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccination among newborns in Lima and Callao.
• To compare vaccination data reported by parents versus health service records.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive, cross-sectional, multicenter study was conducted in 12 public and private hospitals.
• Data were collected from 935 mothers and newborns during a one-week period in 2015.
• Information was gathered through parental interviews and review of health service vaccination reports.

Main Results:

• Vaccination coverage for HBV within 24 hours of life was reported as 85.1% by parents.
• Health service records indicated a slightly higher coverage rate of 88.7%.
• Both data sources suggest substantial, but not optimal, HBV vaccination uptake in the studied population.

Conclusions:

• Newborn HBV vaccination coverage in Lima and Callao is considerable but remains below the ideal targets set by the Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization.
• Further efforts are needed to achieve universal HBV vaccination coverage in newborns to prevent transmission and disease.