The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #68707

Beth Schwartzapfel, BA¹, Jennifer Clarke, MD², Susan Shepardson, MA³, Stephanie L Sanford-Colby, MPH⁴, Jennifer Pomposelli, RN⁵, Gerald Dornhecker, RN⁵, and Josiah D. Rich, MD, MPH⁶. (1) Department of Immunology, Miriam Hospital/Brown University, 164 Summit Ave, Providence, RI 02906, 4017934879, bschwartzapfel@lifespan.org, (2) Division of Internal Medicine, Rhode Island Hospital/Brown University, 593 Eddy St, MPB1, Providence, RI 02903, (3) Rhode Island Immunization Program, Rhode Island Department of Health, 3 Capitol Hill, room 302, Providence, RI 02908, (4) Brown University, 169 Angell St., Box GS-2, Providence, RI 02912, (5) Women's Division Dispensary, Rhode Island Department of Corrections, PO Box 8275, Cranston, RI 02920, (6) Department of Immunology, The Miriam Hospital /Brown University, 164 Summit Avenue, Providence, RI 02906

Background: About 2 million individuals are incarcerated in the US. Incarcerated populations and their contacts are at high risk for hepatitis B virus (HBV). A 1997 study at the RIDOC showed an incidence of HBV among re-incarcerated women of 12.2 per 100 person-years. A safe and effective HBV vaccine is widely available, and the CDC has long recommended vaccinating inmates of correctional facilities, but only 8 state prison systems routinely vaccinate inmates for HBV. Methods: Routine HBV vaccination was implemented at the Women’s Division in March 2002. Vaccine is paid for by federal 317 funds via the RI Department of Health Perinatal HBV Prevention Program. Initial dose of vaccine is offered by prison nursing staff during routine medical intake to all incoming inmates who have never had HBV or been vaccinated according to self-report. Follow-up doses are administered by nursing staff at RIDOC if inmate is still incarcerated or re-incarcerated at time of follow-up, or at a local community health center post-release. Data is collected using a customized Access database. Nursing staff has received several inservices about HBV, vaccination, and computer use. Results: As of February 2003, 1211 doses of HBV vaccine have been offered, and 796 (66%) have been accepted. 379 inmates received 1 dose, 123 received 2, and 56 received all 3 in prison. 96 inmates reported history of HBV; 270 reported receiving vaccine elsewhere. 57 received follow-up doses in the community post-release. Conclusions: Routine HBV vaccination in incarcerated settings is feasible and easily implemented with little disruption.

Learning Objectives:

• At the end of the session, participants will be able to:
• -Identify the rationale for routine hepatitis B vaccination in the incarcerated setting
• -Identify the necessary steps to establish a hepatitis B vaccination program in the incarcerated setting

Keywords: Immunizations, Incarceration

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

Handout (.ppt format, 638.0 kb)