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Learning Objectives for this Presentation:
By the end of the presentation participants will be able to:
1. Understand vaccination in linkage to SEP is an effective way to reach IDUs
2.IDUs are willing and able to complete a the 3 vaccine series over a 6 month period
3.Expansion of such programs should be considered as well as cost-effectiveness modeling.
Background:
Injection drug users (IDUs) are at high risk for Hepatitis B virus (HBV), however, they often do not receive preventive vaccination.
Methods:
The Community Health Care Van (CHCV) has traveled in tandem with the New Haven Syringe Exchange Program (SEP) since January 1993. The CHCV is a 36-foot mobile health program that provides acute episodic treatment and preventive health care proximate to NEP sites. All CHCV services are provided free of charge. Injection drug users are offered screening for a number of preventable or treatable conditions, including HBV infection.
Results:
Of the 212 IDUs screened for HBV infection, 134 (63%) were eligible (negative for HBV surface and core antibodies) for vaccination and 10 (4.7%) had evidence of chronic HBV infection. Compared to those with previous exposure to HBV, vaccine-eligible patients were significantly more likely to be younger and use heroin and less likely to be black, homeless, daily injectors and use cocaine. Of the 134 vaccine-eligible subjects, 103 (77%) and 89 (66%) completed two and three vaccinations, respectively. Correlates of completing all three vaccinations include older age (OR=1.06, 95% CI 1.04, 1.07), injecting daily (OR=2.12, 95% CI 1.36, 6.73) and being homeless (OR=1.98, 95% CI 1.14, 12.27).
Conclusions:
Health care linked to an SEP is an effective way to provide preventive health care services to IDUs, particularly HBV vaccination.
See more of Poster Session #2
See more of The 2005 National Viral Hepatitis Prevention Conference