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Learning Objective:
By the end of this presentation, participants will be able to:
* list basic strategies for public health clinics
* identify the population for whom teen immunizations are
indicated
* recognize challenges in the Indiana computerized
immunization registry program.
Background:
The Hepatitis B virus infects some 20,000 - 30,000 Americans annually, of whom 77 percent fall between the ages of 15 and 39. Indiana State law mandates that persons born since 1991 receive the Hepatitis B (HBV) series of vaccinations. Subsequently, many 15-18 year olds remain unimmunized and at risk for hepatic infection.
Setting:
The Vanderburgh County Health Department offers free, confidential STD services to anyone 13 years of age or older without parental notification providing the opportunity to educate on Hepatitis transmission and prevention, to conduct risk factor screenings, and to provide vaccinations for Hepatitis B and Hepatitis A when appropriate.
Population e.g. API Youth, MSM, IDU:
(included above)
Project Description:
Questions regarding sexual activity and ALL drug use are included on a risk factor screening tool to determine eligibility for Hepatitis B and Hepatitis A vaccinations and patients are started on the approved accelerated immunization schedule. Client designed reminder postcards - without message or return address - are mailed to the patient at appropriate intervals and walk-ins are accepted without appointment for vaccination doses #2 and #3.
Results/Lessons Learned:
Policies designed to make it easy for teens to receive preventive health care have resulted in a 28% increase in Hepatitis B vaccinations since 2001 with an 86% vaccination series completion rate.
The challenge is a State law mandating that patients under 18 need parental authorization prior to any immunizations being entered into the state's computerized immunization data bank. This results in vaccinations without computer registry verification.
See more of B1 - Adolescent Hepatitis Prevention via Education and Vaccination
See more of The 2005 National Viral Hepatitis Prevention Conference