Authors: Bialek SR, Thoroughman DA, Hu D, Chattin J, Cheek J, Bell BP

Publication Year: 2004

Last Updated: 2010-01-21 08:14:08

Journal: American Journal of Public Health

Keywords: hepatitis A vaccination; children; metropolitan areas; Navajo Nation;

Short Abstract:

Obejctives: We assessed the effect on trends in hepatitis A incidence of the 1996 recommendation for routine hepatitis A vaccination of American Indian/Alaska Native (AIAN) children.

Abstract: OBJECTIVES: We assessed the effect on trends in hepatitis A incidence of the 1996 recommendation for routine hepatitis A vaccination of American Indian/Alaska Native (AIAN) children. METHODS: We examined trends in hepatitis A incidence among AIAN peoples during 1990-2001 and vaccination coverage levels among children on the largest American Indian reservation. RESULTS: Hepatitis A rates among AIANs declined 20-fold during 1997-2001. Declines in hepatitis A incidence occurred among AIANs in reservation and metropolitan areas. Among 1956 children living on the Navajo Nation whose medical records were reviewed, 1508 (77.1%) had received at least one dose of hepatitis A vaccine, and 1020 (52.1%) had completed the vaccine series. CONCLUSIONS: Hepatitis A rates among AIAN peoples have declined dramatically coincident with implementation of routine hepatitis A vaccination of AIAN children.

Source: Link to Original Article.

Funding:

Code: 49

Source: Na