title: Hepatitis B vaccination in prisons: the Catalonian experience.
abstract: A pilot programme of hepatitis B vaccination was set up in three prisons to assess the feasibility and results of this method of reaching a high-risk population. Hepatitis B vaccine was offered to all inmates who lacked serological markers for hepatitis B virus. The antibody response was assessed in those who received two or three doses of vaccine. Candidates for vaccination were 41% of 1755 imprisoned men (20% of intravenous drug users (IVDU) and 63% of non-IVDU), but complete vaccination could be given to only 33% of candidates. A further 29% received two doses. Seroconversion to anti-HBs (titres > 10 IU l-1) occurred in 33% of vaccinees after two doses and in 76% after three doses. The overall rate of susceptible inmates who became protected for hepatitis B was 34%. The seroconversion rate was higher when the interval between the first two doses was shorter than 3 weeks (91%), than in cases with an interval of 3-6 weeks (79%) or longer than 6 weeks (33%). Age greater than 35 years and history of IVDU were associated with a lower response to the vaccine, while anti-HIV seropositivity did not influence the response. In conclusion, vaccination of prisoners susceptible to HBV may achieve protection in at least a third of cases. Shortening intervals between the priming doses of vaccine may improve compliance and increases the response.
authors.affiliation: Servicio de Medicina Preventiva, Hospital Clinic i Provincial, Barcelona, Spain.
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Bayas
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bruguera
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Martin
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Vidal
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Rodes
authors.forename: L Y
authors.initials: LY
authors.lastname: Salleras
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000917:Antibody Formation; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies / Q000097:blood; D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000276:immunology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011330:Prisons; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies; D013030:Spain; D014611:Vaccination
chemical_list: D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies; D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines