Learning Objectives for this Presentation:
By the end of presentation participant will be able to:
Identify innovative ways to target adults who are at increased risk for Hepatitis disease
Learn how to increase completion rate for Hepatitis B series

Background:
Hepatitis B virus infection is a major cause of cirrhosis and liver cancer in the United States. ACIP strategy is to provide vaccination to unvaccinated adults at increased risk of infection. NHIS reported that during 2004, 34.6% of adults aged 18-49 years received hepatitis B vaccine.

Setting:
Palm Beach County Health Department (PBCHD) clinic and community

Population:
Patients who attend STD clinic at PBCHD and STD community outreaches

Project Description:
Hepatits Project began in October 2005 screening patients for Hepatitis A, B and C disease. Patients receive counseling on risk of acquring Hepatitis disease and education on how to stop transmission of Hepatitis disease to their close contacts. First dose of Hepatitis A and B is adminstered at that visit. Patients susceptible for hepatitis receive a second and third dose of Hepatits B. Sexual and close contacts of chronic Hepatitis B and C patients are screened, and Hepatitis B vaccine is offered.
Partnership has been established among Hepatitis Project, STD clinic staff, community agencies, and adult Immunization Program. Over ten community sites are used to screen adults at increased risk of infection and Hepatitis A and B vaccines are offered.

Results/Lessons Learned:
From October 2005 to September 2006, 1360 patients were assessed, 1105 (81.2%) were screened, 180 doses of Hepatitis B and 166 doses of Hepatitis A vaccines were administered. 140 (12.6%) patients completed 3 doses of the Hepatitis B series.
Response of the screening was overwhelming for the amount of resources available for this project.
Response of patient follow up was much improved once the procedure to send an urgent letter for patients to return to the clinic was instituted.