Objective: To evaluate the epidemiological effect of hepatitis B immunization among newborn babies in Beijing.
Methods: A multistage sampling method was used for the collection of immunization cards, field epidemiological survey on hepatitis B virus (HBV) immunization of children, analysis of infectious disease reports. HBsAg, anti-HBs and anti-HBc levels were detected by solid phase radioimmunoassays (SPRIA).
Results: The incidence of hepatitis B in children of 0 to 14 years at the beginning of HBV immunization was 18.59 to 20.52/100,000, and declined to 0.39 to 2.38/100,000 in 2000 (chi2 = 58.26, P < 0.01). The HBsAg carrying rate of the children decreased from 2.82% to 0.60%, about 80.00% after vaccination (chi2 = 10.75, P < 0.01).
Conclusion: Hepatitis B vaccination of newborn babies is an effective measure for prevention and control of hepatitis B virus infection.