Control of Hepatitis A by Universal Vaccination of Adolescents in Puglia, Italy
Author Information
Author(s): Lopalco Pietro Luigi, Prato Rosa, Chironna Maria, Germinario Cinzia, Quarto Michele
Primary Institution: University of Bari, Bari, Italy
Hypothesis
Does universal vaccination of adolescents reduce the incidence of hepatitis A in Puglia, Italy?
Conclusion
The vaccination program initiated in 1998 significantly decreased the incidence of hepatitis A in Puglia.
Supporting Evidence
- Incidence of hepatitis A in Puglia decreased from 22.8 cases/100,000 in 1998 to 0.7 cases/100,000 in 2006.
- Vaccination coverage among adolescents reached 65% in the third year after the start of the program.
- Annual incidence rates in Puglia have remained at <2.8 cases/100,000 since 2002.
Takeaway
Vaccinating teenagers against hepatitis A in Puglia helped lower the number of people getting sick from the virus.
Methodology
Analysis of disease surveillance and vaccine coverage data from 1991 to 2006.
Limitations
Uncertainty in interpreting epidemiologic data and lack of a catch-up vaccination program.
Participant Demographics
Population of Puglia, Italy, with a focus on adolescents aged 12 years and children 15–18 months.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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