Learning Objectives for this Presentation:
By the end of the presentation participants will be able to:
1. Explain the importance of combining testing with vaccination for Asian Americans
2. Identify strategies for maximizing resources and recouping costs of vaccination clinics
3. Generate ideas for public-private partnerships
4. Assess the strengths and shortcomings for replication of the 3 For Life Project



Background:
In San Francisco 33% of the population is of Asian descent. Approximately 10% of Asian Americans are chronically infected with hepatitis B and may be unaware of their status. Effective strategies for the prevention of hepatitis B and liver cancer includes screening all Asian Americans for hepatitis B, directing chronically infected individuals to continuing care, and immunizing those who are unprotected. In order to address this issue, promote awareness, and gather local data, the San Francisco Department of Public Health and the Asian Liver Center of Stanford University developed the 3 For Life Project offering low-cost hepatitis B testing and vaccination in a non-medical setting.


Setting:
A neighborhood YMCA – San Francisco, CA


Population:
Asian American Adults living in San Francisco


Project Description:
Drop-in clinics were held two Saturdays a month for one year. Participants paid cash for hepatitis B testing and the full hepatitis vaccination series. Lab test results were mailed to participants explaining the results and what to do next. Education was provided on site demographic data was collected via client surveys.


Results/Lessons Learned:
There is a need for both community and provider education regarding the meaning and importance of hepatitis B screening, follow-up, and immunization for Asian Americans. The target population is receptive to accessing this service in a community setting and to paying a fee for the service.
Over 1200 people were tested and vaccinated with test results showing 10% to be chronically infected and 35% to have disease immunity, leaving 55% vulnerable to hepatitis B infection.