Progress toward elimination of hepatitis B virus transmission in Oman: impact of hepatitis B vaccination

Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2013 Oct;89(4):811-5. doi: 10.4269/ajtmh.13-0333. Epub 2013 Aug 19.

Abstract

Approximately 2-7% of the Omani population has chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. To decrease this burden, universal childhood hepatitis B vaccination was introduced in Oman in 1990. The hepatitis B vaccination strategy and reported coverage were reviewed. To assess the impact of the program on chronic HBV seroprevalence, a nationally representative seroprevalence study was conducted in Oman in 2005. Since 1991, hepatitis B vaccination in Oman has reached almost every eligible child, with reported coverage of ≥ 97% for the birth dose and ≥ 94% for three doses. Of 175 children born pre-vaccine introduction, 16 (9.1%) had evidence of HBV exposure, and 4 (2.3%) had evidence of chronic infection. Of 1,890 children born after vaccine introduction, 43 (2.3%) had evidence of HBV exposure, and 10 (0.5%) had evidence of chronic infection. Oman has a strong infant hepatitis B vaccination program, resulting in a dramatic decrease in chronic HBV seroprevalence.

MeSH terms

  • Hepatitis B / epidemiology
  • Hepatitis B / prevention & control
  • Hepatitis B / transmission*
  • Hepatitis B / virology
  • Hepatitis B Vaccines / administration & dosage
  • Hepatitis B Vaccines / immunology
  • Hepatitis B virus / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Immunization Schedule
  • Oman / epidemiology
  • Seroepidemiologic Studies
  • Time Factors
  • Vaccination

Substances

  • Hepatitis B Vaccines