The Success of a Universal Hepatitis B Immunization Program as Part of Thailand’s EPI after 22 Years’ Implementation

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0150499
• Publication Date: 2016-03-03T19:03:33Z
• Authors: Nawarat Posuwan; Nasamon Wanlapakorn; Pattaratida Sa-ng...; Rujipat Wasitthan...; Preeyaporn Vichai...; Sirapa Klinfueng; Viboonsak Vuthita...; Siriporn Sae-lao; Monthana Foonoi; Apinya Fakthongyoo; Jamorn Makaroon; Klaita Srisingh; Duangporn Asawara...; Somchai Owatanapa...; Norra Wutthiratkowit; Kraisorn Tohtubtiang; Pornsak Yoocharoen; Sompong Vongpunsawad; Yong Poovorawan
• Keywords: Hepatitis B; Hepatitis B vaccine

Hepatitis B vaccination for newborns was introduced in two provinces 1988 as part of Thailand's Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI), and extended to the whole country 1992. Our previous studies showed that children adolescents who were born after implementation this program had a carrier rate less than 1%, compared with 5-6% before implementation. In 2014 we performed hepatitis serosurveys among 5964 subjects different geographic regions evaluate long-term immunogenicity impact universal 22-year EPI program, by assessing HBsAg, anti-HBc anti-HBs seropositivity status. The number HB virus (HBV) carriers, both young adults, markedly reduced. rates age groups 6 months 5 years, 5-10, 11-20, 21-30, 31-40, 41-50 >50 years respectively 0.1, 0.29, 0.69, 3.12, 3.78, 4.67 5.99%. HBsAg post-EPI group 0.6%, whereas pre-EPI it high 4.5% (p<0.001). HBV infection means detectable also drastically declined population vaccine integrated into program. We estimated total carriers amounted 2.22 million, or 3.48% population, most whom are adults. is first shown be effective preventing occurrence chronic liver disease hepatocellular carcinoma. Universal campaign will contribute eventual eradication HBV-associated disease.