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Effect of a hepatitis B vaccination program on the prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection

F J Mahoney1, B A Woodruff, J J Erben

  • 1Epidemiology Section, National Center for Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control, Atlanta, Georgia 30333.

The Journal of Infectious Diseases
|January 1, 1993
PubMed

Insights

Hepatitis B immunization programs significantly reduced hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection rates in children. Early childhood vaccination is crucial for preventing both acute and chronic HBV in endemic regions.

Area of Science:

  • * Public Health
  • * Virology
  • * Immunization

Background:

  • * Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a significant global health concern, particularly in areas with high endemicity.
  • * The implementation of newborn hepatitis B immunization programs aimed to control HBV transmission.
  • * Assessing the long-term impact of these programs on childhood infection rates is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

  • * To evaluate the serologic evidence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in children in American Samoa.
  • * To compare HBV infection rates before and after the introduction of a hepatitis B immunization program for newborns and young children.
  • * To determine the effectiveness of hepatitis B vaccination in preventing acute and chronic HBV infection.

Main Methods:

  • * Serologic surveys were conducted in April 1991 among 3- to 4-year-old children and 6- to 11-year-old children in American Samoa.
  • * Data from 1991 were compared with baseline data from 1985, prior to the widespread implementation of the immunization program.
  • * Prevalence ratios (PR) and 95% confidence limits (CL) were calculated to assess infection rates.

Main Results:

  • * Children born after the immunization program (tested in 1991) showed significantly lower rates of HBV infection and chronic HBV infection compared to children tested in 1985.
  • * For 3- to 4-year-olds, HBV infection prevalence was 5/40 in 1985 versus 2/93 in 1991 (PR = 5.8). Chronic HBV infection was 3/40 in 1985 versus 0/95 in 1991.
  • * For 6- to 11-year-olds, HBV infection prevalence was 32/121 in 1985 versus 53/386 in 1991 (PR = 1.9). Chronic HBV infection was 8/121 in 1985 versus 7/386 in 1991.

Conclusions:

  • * The hepatitis B vaccine, when incorporated into routine childhood vaccination schedules, is highly effective in preventing acute and chronic HBV infection.
  • * The findings demonstrate a significant reduction in HBV infection rates in children following the implementation of the immunization program.
  • * Routine childhood vaccination is a critical strategy for controlling HBV in highly endemic regions.

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