Factors associated with incomplete vaccination of babies at risk of perinatal hepatitis B transmission: a London study in 2006

Vaccine. 2009 Mar 23;27(14):2016-22. doi: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2008.12.016. Epub 2009 Jan 9.

Abstract

We measured the hepatitis B (HB) vaccination uptake in 249 London babies born in 2004 to HBsAg positive mothers. Two thirds (69%) received three vaccinations and half (49%, 95% CI 43-56) received a complete course (four doses). Complete immunization was associated with sector of delivery (p<0.001), recording of the GP details in case notes, having booked for antenatal care, having a good command of English, and receipt of written information on HB. A third of the babies (33%) had a post-vaccination test; when the mother had other children, 39% of the oldest children were vaccinated; information on partner's vaccination was available for 12%. This study highlights that appropriate counseling and information should be provided to the mothers, and the importance in London of arrangements for integrated care across acute and primary care services.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Cohort Studies
  • Female
  • Hepatitis Antibodies / administration & dosage
  • Hepatitis Antibodies / blood
  • Hepatitis B / blood
  • Hepatitis B / prevention & control*
  • Hepatitis B / transmission
  • Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / blood
  • Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / immunology
  • Hepatitis B Vaccines / administration & dosage*
  • Hepatitis B Vaccines / immunology
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin G / administration & dosage
  • Infant
  • Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical / prevention & control*
  • London
  • Middle Aged
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / blood
  • Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / prevention & control*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Vaccination*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Hepatitis Antibodies
  • Hepatitis B Surface Antigens
  • Hepatitis B Vaccines
  • Immunoglobulin G