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Learning Objective:
By the end of the presentation, participants will be able to understand better how to implement HBV vaccination programs at syringe exchange sites.
Background:
Despite clear recommendations for adult HBV vaccination of injection drug users (IDUs), they remain at high risk for infection and elude existing programs to vaccinate them.
Setting:
Syringe exchange sites in New Haven, Connecticut.
Population e.g. API Youth, MSM, IDU:
Injection drug users
Project Description:
: IDUs who use mobile health care services linked to a syringe exchange program in New Haven were routinely screened for HBV, hepatitis C virus, and syphilis. Individuals without prior exposure to HBV were offered three-part vaccination series. No financial incentives were used.
Results/Lessons Learned:
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 cocaine users. Of the 134 vaccine-eligible subjects, 103 (77%) and 89 (66%) completed two and three vaccinations, respectively. Correlates of completing all three vaccinations included 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). These results suggest that IDUs remain at high risk for acquiring HBV infection. Programs that link health care to a syringe exchange program are effective ways to provide preventive health care services to IDUs, particularly HBV vaccination. Trust engendered by and mutual respect afforded by such programs result in repeated encounters by active IDUs over time.
See more of A3 - Vaccination Strategies for Injection Drug Users
See more of The 2005 National Viral Hepatitis Prevention Conference