Health
Hepatitis A vaccine reaching children at risk
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted March 14, 2005
Just more than half of children residing in states where vaccination against hepatitis A is routinely recommended and a quarter of those living in states where it is recommended for consideration have received at least one shot protecting against the illness, according to a paper in the Feb. 18 Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. Just over 1% of children in areas without a specific recommendation have also received the vaccine.
Researchers analyzed data from the National Immunization Survey finding that hepatitis A vaccination rates were generally lower than that of other recommended vaccines.
Authors of the report concluded that programs are reaching those who need the vaccine the most but are not going far enough. The CDC recommended in 1999 a two-dose regimen for all children living in areas with a high hepatitis A prevalence. Consideration was also recommended for areas with a moderate prevalence.
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2005/03/14/hlbf0314.htm.
