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Routine hepatitis B vaccination in a clinic for sexually transmitted diseases
H S Weinstock1, G Bolan, J S Moran
1Division of STD/HIV Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, Ga 30333, USA.
American Journal of Public Health
|June 1, 1995
Summary
Vaccinating patients in sexually transmitted disease clinics against hepatitis B is feasible. An ongoing vaccination program could prevent many hepatitis B virus infections annually in this high-risk group.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
- Vaccinology
Background:
- Sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinic populations are at high risk for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection.
- Vaccination is a key strategy for preventing HBV transmission.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility of vaccinating patients attending an inner-city STD clinic against HBV.
- To evaluate vaccine uptake and completion rates within this population.
Main Methods:
- A study was conducted between June and July 1990 involving 1386 patients at an inner-city STD clinic.
- Patients were assigned to one of two HBV vaccine schedules.
- Vaccine acceptance and completion were monitored.
Main Results:
- 611 out of 1386 (44%) patients accepted the first dose of the HBV vaccine.
- 21% of susceptible patients completed at least two doses of the vaccine.
- Annualized projections suggest an ongoing program could prevent 636 HBV infections per year.
Conclusions:
- Vaccinating STD clinic patients against HBV is feasible.
- Strategies to prevent HBV infections in this population must address patient behavior and vaccine efficacy.
- Significant HBV infection prevention is possible through targeted vaccination programs.