Prospects for vaccination against hepatitis A and B in Catalonia (Spain).
Catalonia is in an area of intermediate endemicity for hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection. An Expert Committee has recently proposed the implementation of universal hepatitis A vaccination for 12-year-olds, based on the fact that no risk factors can be identified for hepatitis A in 50% of cases, and also that selective vaccination targeted at high-risk groups has a limited potential to reduce the incidence of hepatitis A. The well-established programme of hepatitis B vaccination of pre-adolescents in Catalonian schools has high levels of vaccination coverage. This will provide a means to introduce hepatitis A vaccination in a cost-effective way in schools, by replacing the single vaccine with the combined hepatitis A and B vaccine. High-risk groups will also continue to be targeted. A pilot programme has commenced in the 1998/1999 school year and will be evaluated after 3 years. If it is successful, it will be extended indefinitely.
Salleras
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Department of Health and Social Security, General Directorate of Public Health, Travessera de les Corts, 131, Pavelló Ave María, 08028, Barcelona, Spain.
Bruguera
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M
Buti
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M
Domíngez
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A
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006506:Hepatitis A / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D022362:Hepatitis A Vaccines; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009313:National Health Programs; D012307:Risk Factors; D013030:Spain / Q000453:epidemiology; D014611:Vaccination; D017778:Vaccines, Combined / Q000494:pharmacology; D014761:Viral Hepatitis Vaccines / Q000494:pharmacology
D022362:Hepatitis A Vaccines; D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines; D017778:Vaccines, Combined; D014761:Viral Hepatitis Vaccines