Journal of Vaccines & Vaccination

Hepatitis A Vaccination in healthcare workers

International Conference & Exhibition on Vaccines & Vaccination

22-24 Nov 2011 Philadelphia Airport Marriott, USA

Praveen Guturu, Luca Cicalese, and Andrea Duchini

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J Vaccines Vaccin

Abstract:

Hepatitis A vaccination rates in healthcare workers (HCW) is unknown. We studied hepatitis A vaccination in HCW at risk of exposure in our Institution by sending anonymous survey to 499 HCW. Results were corrected for non-response rate. Comparison was performed with the 2007 CDC-National Immunization Survey. Statistical analysis was performed by Wald and Pearson chi-square. 207 subjects returned the surveys (response rate 41.4%). Rate of vaccination for hepatitis A was 28.8% (among these 58.9% received the full series and 24.7% were tested for post-vaccination immunity). Prior hepatitis A infection was reported in 3.4%, prior exposure in 31.7% (9.3% non-healthcare, 22.4% healthcare related). 33.7% of responders had family members who received hepatitis A vaccination, including children. Acceptance rate among non-vaccinated was 70.7%. HCW vaccination rate was statistically greater than the general population (28.8% vs 12.1%, p < 0.031, Wald chi-square, CASRO response rate 41% vs 31%). Vaccination rate among US-born responders was found to be statistically greater than foreign-born (34.3% vs 19.3%, p=0.0324 Pearson chi-square). Th ere was no statistical diff erence in vaccination rates of younger (<35 year of age) vs older responders. When compared to a mandatory vaccination in HCW at our Institution, (Infl uenza, season 2009-2010), hepatitis A rate was signifi cantly lower (90% vs 28.8%). We conclude that HCW have statistically higher vaccination rate for hepatitis A than the general population. However, overall protection for hepatitis A appears to be suboptimal with vaccination rate well below those for mandatory vaccines. Further studies to determine wheth er hepatitis A vaccine is necessary and cost- eff ective in HCW are recommended.

Biography :

Dr. Andrea Duchini is Associate Professor of Medicine and Surgery in the Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology at University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas, where he serves as Director of Hepatology, Medical Director of Liver Transplantation and UNOS Primary Physician for the Small Bowel Transplant Program. Dr. Duchini became a Fellow with the American College of Physicians in 2009 and is a member of the Texas Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (TSGE), Texas Transplant Society (TTS), International Liver Transplant Society (ILTS), American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD). He serves in several board and committees including UTMB transplant committee and UNOS Regional Review Board. Dr Duchini is Board Certi fi ed in Gastroenterology and Transplant Hepatology.