10 year assessment of infant hepatitis B vaccination program, in the Loyalty Islands (New Caledonia).
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the decrease of hepatitis B prevalence in New Caledonia 10 years after the implementation of a neonatal vaccination program and discuss the need of any booster in preadolescents.


METHODS
A survey was conducted in the Loyalty Islands, involving 593 children aged 8-11 years. Serological profiles were determined using three parameters: antibodies to core and surface antigens and HBs Ag.


RESULTS
The vaccine coverage rate is 93 and 89% of the children are protected against hepatitis B. However, 8% of them did have contact with the virus and 1.3% are carriers. Thirty-eight percent of the vaccinated children had their first injection later than the age of 3 months.


CONCLUSIONS
This study attests that the neonatal immunisation is accepted and followed. The prevalence reduction is not as great as expected, probably due to excess delay in primary vaccination. Hepatitis B eradication could be achieved in New Caledonia by starting immunisation at birth, and by implementing a global catch-up program among preadolescents.
Berlioz-Arthaud
Alain
A
Institut Pasteur de Nouvelle Calédonie, 12 rue Paul Doumer, BP 61, 98845 Nouméa Cedex, New Caledonia. aberloiz@pasteur.nc
Perolat
Philippe
P
Buisson
Yves
Y
D002648:Child; D003625:Data Collection; D005260:Female; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006511:Hepatitis B Antigens / Q000097:blood; D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D017589:Immunization Programs; D007115:Immunization Schedule; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D009510:New Caledonia; D011247:Pregnancy; D014611:Vaccination
D006511:Hepatitis B Antigens; D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines