Program Collaboration to Integrate Hepatitis Vaccination Into STD Clinics in Louisiana

Background: The Louisiana Office of Public Health STD, HIV/AIDS and Infectious Disease Epidemiology Programs began collaborating to provide Hepatitis vaccination in over 60 STD clinics in 2004.  Although vaccine was available to all of the clinics it was not fully utilized in the early years.

Objectives: To improve Hepatitis vaccination rates among persons attending STD clinics in Louisiana.   

Methods: Initially vaccine was made available to clinics and incorporated into standing orders for STD clinic nurses.  The next phase was provider education through various methods.  Then Hepatitis vaccination was incorporated into continuous quality improvement protocols.

Results: The number of Hepatitis vaccinations given increased each year with the most significant increases after Hepatitis vaccination was incorporated into the continuous quality improvement protocol.  The number of adult Hepatitis vaccinations given in FY2005 was 2053 and in FY2009 was 9748.

Conclusions: Improved vaccination rates were associated with inclusion of Hepatitis vaccination in continuous quality improvement protocols. 

Implications for Programs, Policy, and/or Research:  Programs should consider integrating new clinical services into continuous quality improvement protocols upon initiation of the service.