Minal K Patel1, Kathleen Wannemuehler2, Rangi Tairi3, Rufina Tutai4, Edna Moturi5, Beia Tabwaia6, Akineti Bauro Nikuata7, Malae Fepuleai Etuale8, Grizelda Mokoia9. 1. Global Immunization Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30333, United States. Electronic address: hgo9@cdc.gov. 2. Global Immunization Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30333, United States. Electronic address: kpw9@cdc.gov. 3. Expanded Programme on Immunization, Cook Islands Ministry of Health, P.O. Box 109, Rarotonga, Cook Islands. Electronic address: rangi.tairi@cookislands.gov.ck. 4. Expanded Programme on Immunization, Cook Islands Ministry of Health, P.O. Box 109, Rarotonga, Cook Islands. Electronic address: rufina.tutai@cookislands.gov.ck. 5. Global Immunization Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30333, United States; Epidemic Intelligence Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, United States. Electronic address: moturi@unhcr.org. 6. Expanded Programme on Immunization, Kiribati Ministry of Health & Medical Services, P.O. Box 268, Nawerewere, Tarawa, Kiribati. Electronic address: beiatabwaia@gmail.com. 7. Maternal and Child Health, World Health Organization Kiribati Country Office, Bikenibeu, Tarawa, Kiribati. Electronic address: nikuataa@who.int. 8. Integrated Reproductive Health Coordinator, Tokelau Health Department Head Office, Nukunonu, Tokelau. Electronic address: mfepuleai.etuale@gmail.com. 9. Expanded Programme on Immunization, Niue Department of Health, P.O. Box 33, Alofi, Niue. Electronic address: Grizelda.Mokoia@mail.gov.nu.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is highly endemic in many of the Pacific Island countries. Four island countries-Cook Islands, Kiribati, Niue, and Tokelau-sought to evaluate the success of their hepatitis B vaccination programs by conducting nationally representative serosurveys among children born post-vaccine introduction. METHODS: Cook Islands, Niue, and Tokelau conducted school-based census serosurveys because of small populations. The Cook Islands tested children in second grade; Niue tested children in early childhood education through sixth grade; and Tokelau tested children in first through sixth grades. Because Kiribati has a much larger birth cohort, it conducted a one-stage stratified serosurvey among first grade students. All four countries tested children using the Alere Determine™ rapid point of care hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) test. RESULTS: In the three smaller countries, no children were seropositive for HBsAg (0/245 Cook Island students, 0/183 Niuean students, 0/171 Tokelau students). In Kiribati, 39 (3.3%, 95% confidence interval 2.4-4.6%) of 1249 students were HBsAg positive. Vaccination data collected in the Cook Islands and Tokelau showed high vaccination coverage in both countries with ⩾95% birth dose coverage and 100% 3-dose coverage. CONCLUSIONS: The Cook Islands, Niue, and Tokelau have made remarkable progress in establishing strong vaccination programs and towards decreasing the burden of hepatitis B among children. Kiribati still needs to improve vaccination coverage to achieve the <1% HBsAg target established by the World Health Organization Western Pacific Region. Published by Elsevier Ltd.
BACKGROUND: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is highly endemic in many of the Pacific Island countries. Four island countries-Cook Islands, Kiribati, Niue, and Tokelau-sought to evaluate the success of their hepatitis B vaccination programs by conducting nationally representative serosurveys among children born post-vaccine introduction. METHODS: Cook Islands, Niue, and Tokelau conducted school-based census serosurveys because of small populations. The Cook Islands tested children in second grade; Niue tested children in early childhood education through sixth grade; and Tokelau tested children in first through sixth grades. Because Kiribati has a much larger birth cohort, it conducted a one-stage stratified serosurvey among first grade students. All four countries tested children using the Alere Determine™ rapid point of care hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) test. RESULTS: In the three smaller countries, no children were seropositive for HBsAg (0/245 Cook Island students, 0/183 Niuean students, 0/171 Tokelau students). In Kiribati, 39 (3.3%, 95% confidence interval 2.4-4.6%) of 1249 students were HBsAg positive. Vaccination data collected in the Cook Islands and Tokelau showed high vaccination coverage in both countries with ⩾95% birth dose coverage and 100% 3-dose coverage. CONCLUSIONS: The Cook Islands, Niue, and Tokelau have made remarkable progress in establishing strong vaccination programs and towards decreasing the burden of hepatitis B among children. Kiribati still needs to improve vaccination coverage to achieve the <1% HBsAg target established by the World Health Organization Western Pacific Region. Published by Elsevier Ltd.
Authors: T X Lien; N T Tien; G F Chanpong; C T Cuc; V T Yen; R Soderquist; K Laras; A Corwin Journal: Am J Trop Med Hyg Date: 2000-02 Impact factor: 2.345
Authors: Mikaela Coleman; Jeremy Hill; Eretii Timeon; Alfred Tonganibeia; Baraniko Eromanga; Tauhid Islam; James M Trauer; Stephen T Chambers; Amanda Christensen; Greg J Fox; Guy B Marks; Warwick J Britton; Ben J Marais Journal: BMJ Open Date: 2022-04-12 Impact factor: 2.692