Forming collaborations with other state programs for high-risk adults

Learning Objectives for this Presentation:
By the end of the presentation participants will understand how to collaborate with multiple state programs to secure resources necessary to implement a hepatitis vaccination program for high risk adults

Background:
Persons who practice unprotected sex and/or share injection paraphernalia are at risk for becoming infected with hepatitis A and B. New Jesrey has never had state funding for vaccines and traditionally emphasized childhood vaccines. In 2005, hepatitis B vaccine was provided to Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) clinics for female clients aged 18-24. In 2007, it was opened to drug treatment centers and methadone maintenance clinics.

Setting:
STD clinics and methadone maintenance clinics and the Syringe Exchange Program (SEP)

Population:
Clients of STD and Methadone maintence clinics

Project Description:
With additonal federal monies, the Vaccine Preventable Disease Program (VPDP), the Hepatitis C Coordinator (HCC), STD Program and the Division of Addictions(DAS) collaborated to offer hepatitis A and/or B vaccine to STD clinics and methadone maintence clinics. Education was provided on all aspects of the program. The VPD Vaccine Specialist and the HCC contacted each program monthly to assess program progress. In STD clinics, disease intervention specialists were available for home visits to encourage clients to return for follow-up vaccine doses. The built in incentive of receiving methadone at methadone maintence clinics encouraged client compliance.

Results/Lessons Learned:
In the first year after implementation, eight STD clinics provided hepatitis vaccine. Vaccine provision by methadone maintence clinics began in January 2007, and is offered in four sites at this time. STD clinics are concered about follow-up injections.