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Learning Objective:
By the end of the presentation, participants will be able to identify methods of successfully integrating hepatitis vaccine delivery to high risk adults in a variety of community settings.
Background:
Established HIV/STD clinics, substance abuse treatment centers, local jails, and community-based organizations provide the opportunity to provide hepatitis vaccination and prevention messages to high risk clients. Through a collaborative public health partnership between the NC Immunization Branch and the HIV/STD Prevention and Care Branch, a hepatitis (Twinrix) vaccination project was implemented at various community sites across the state using money from CDC that was allotted for vaccine purchase.
Setting:
36 local health department STD clinics, 7 substance abuse programs, 2 community-based organizations that targeted clients in gay bars and clubs, and one detention facility participated in the project.
Population e.g. API Youth, MSM, IDU:
The project targeted clients at high risk for contracting hepatitis A, B, and/or C. Free vaccinations were offered to clients 18 years of age or older with one or more of the following high risk factors: men who have sex with men(MSM); active/past history of injection drug use(IDU); current/past incarceration; multiple sex partners (MSP); HIV infection; and/or HCV infection.
Project Description:
Eligible clients were identified through risk assessment and personal history and offered the vaccine. Very basic hepatitis information was provided to the clients. A database was established.
Results/Lessons Learned:
1. Success of the project was dependent on staff knowledge and enthusiasm, the manner in which the vaccine/project was presented to clients, and staff "buy-in".
2. Hepatitis education and a clear explanation of the project should be provided to staff before the project begins.
3. Data should include refusal of vaccine and reason for refusal.
See more of A4 - Community-Based Integration Models
See more of The 2005 National Viral Hepatitis Prevention Conference