An economic analysis of adult hepatitis B vaccination in China

Background and objectiveWith the universal infant hepatitis B vaccination (HepB) program, China has made remarkable achievements to prevent and control hepatitis B. In order to further reduce hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, the Chinese government is considering implementing a widespread adult HBV vaccination campaign. We performed an economic analysis of two different adult HepB vaccination strategies for 21–59-years-olds: vaccination without screening and screening-based vaccination.MethodsCost-benefit analyses were conducted. All 21–59-year-olds were divided into two groups: young adults (ages 21–39) and middle-aged adults (ages 40–59). Costs and benefits were estimated using the direct cost and societal (direct and indirect costs) perspectives. All costs and benefits were adjusted to 2014 US dollars, where future values were discounted at a 3% annual rate. We calculated benefit-cost ratios (BCRs) of the two vaccination strategies for the two different age groups. Sensitivity analyses varied key parameters within plausible ranges.ResultsAmong young adults, the direct and societal BCRs for a vaccination campaign with no screening would be 1.06 and 1.42; with a screening-based vaccination campaign, the model estimated the direct and societal BCRs would be 1.19 and 1.73. Among middle-aged adults, the direct and societal BCRs for a vaccination campaign without screening would be 0.59 and 0.59; with a screening-based vaccination campaign, the model estimated the direct and societal BCRs would be 0.68 and 0.73.ConclusionThe results of our study support a HepB vaccination campaign for young adults. Additionally, a vaccination campaign with screening appeared to provide greater value than a vaccination without screening.     

中国1992-2019年乙型肝炎疫苗免疫及母婴阻断策略的成本效益分析

目的:对我国1992-2019年来实施的乙型肝炎（乙肝）疫苗（HepB）免疫及母婴阻断策略进行卫生经济学评价,为我国乙肝防控策略提供参考。方法:构建决策分析马尔科夫模型,对1992-2019年中国出生的新生儿队列进行分析。模型参数主要来自于文献、年鉴、中国CDC。采用单因素敏感性分析验证模型结果的稳定性。结果:1992...     

Economic evaluation of infant and adolescent hepatitis B vaccination in the UK

A Markov model of hepatitis B virus (HBV) disease progression in the UK estimated that 81% of predicted HBV-associated morbidity and mortality could be prevented by universal infant vaccination at a cost of approximately £260,000 per QALY gained.Universal adolescent vaccination would be less effective (45% prevented) and less cost-effective (£493,000 per QALY gained). Higher HBV incidence rates in males and intermediate/high risk ethnic populations meant it was approximately 3 times more cost-effective to vaccinate these groups. At current vaccine costs a selective infant vaccination programme, based on vaccinating intermediate/high risk ethnic populations would not be considered cost effective.The threshold cost per vaccinated child at which the programme would be considered cost-effective was investigated. Universal infant vaccination would be cost-effective if the average cost of vaccinating each child against HBV, including vaccine and administration costs of all doses, was less than £4.09. Given the low cost of vaccination required to make a universal programme cost-effective the most feasible policy in the UK would be to use a suitably priced combined vaccine that included the other antigens in the current infant vaccination schedule.     

Hepatitis B vaccination strategies tailored to different endemicity levels: Some considerations

Hepatitis B is a serious public health problem. Worldwide three different levels of hepatitis B endemicity (high, intermediate and low) can be distinguished. Areas with different levels of endemicity require tailored vaccination strategies to fit the needs for individuals at risk and/or countries, depending on the infection risk per age group, vaccination rate, duration of protection after vaccination, cost effectiveness of vaccination strategies and ease of implementation in the national immunization schedules.This opinion paper evaluates these factors and proposes a combination of infant risk group and universal adolescent vaccination for low endemic countries thus targeting the different groups at risk. A universal infant vaccination schedule starting with a newborn vaccination within 24 h after birth is more appropriate in intermediate- and high-endemic regions.     

Long-term immunity to hepatitis B following vaccination in infancy: Real-world data analysis

BackgroundHepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccination has decreased the prevalence of chronic HBV infections and their sequelae. However, whether vaccination at birth provides lifelong protection is unclear.ObjectiveTo assess long-term immunity following neonatal HBV immunization in a large population-based cohort.MethodsUsing the database of a 2 million member sick fund in Israel, we identified all subjects born after introduction of universal HBV vaccination in Israel (January 1992 through December 2014), that were tested for hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs Ab's). Years since vaccination were categorized into 5-year groups and linear trends in the seroprevalence of HBV immunity were calculated. Anamnestic response and presence of Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBs Ag) were assessed.ResultsIncluded were 20,634 tested individuals. Mean (±SD) age at testing was 14.8 (±5.4) years. Mean anti-HBs Ab levels declined with time to 16.39 mIU/ml in the 15–20 year group (P < 0.001). The proportion of negative results increased gradually (P < 0.001) to 66.7% after 15 years. Anamnestic response assessment showed that 604 of 644 seronegative subjects (93.8%, 95% CI: 91.6–95.5%) became seropositive after a booster dose. HBs Ag was identified in 91 of the 20,634 (4.4 per 1000 study participants).ConclusionsFollowing vaccination, anti-HB's Ab's progressively decline, with only a third of the population retaining protective levels after 15 years. In adolescence, anamnestic response shows that nearly all revaccinated adolescents exhibit immunity. A low rate of Hepatitis B infection was demonstrated despite vaccination of nearly all newborns.     

城、郊新生儿乙型肝炎疫苗免疫情况调查

目的　了解乙型肝炎疫苗的免疫后效果。方法　于 1997年 9～ 12月在北京、武汉、哈尔滨、上海、成都、兰州和长春 7个城市 ,采用整群随机抽样方法抽取 3～ 4岁年龄组儿童 2 180人进行调查。结果　 1993～ 1994年新生儿乙型肝炎疫苗全程接种率城区为 91.10 % ,明显高于郊区的 84.71%。HBsAg阳性率降至1.5 6% ,抗 -HBs阳性率平均为 70 .5 0 %。城区儿童HBsAg阳性率0 .2 8% ,郊区儿童HBsAg阳性率为2 .17% ,说明免疫儿童中HBsAg阳性者的主要来源在郊区。 结论　上述表明 ,我国乙型肝炎疫苗免疫效果显著 ,但在郊区 ,疫苗免疫效果还不够理想。     

Investigation of memory B cell responses to hepatitis B surface antigen in health care workers considered as non-responders to vaccination

Up to 20% of health care workers are considered as non-responders to hepatitis B vaccination (anti-HBs < 10 mUI/ml in serum). We have explored memory B cells differentiated in vitro into anti-HBs antibody-secreting cells (anti-HBs-SCs) by ELISPOT assay. Anti-HBs-SCs were detected in vaccinated responders (n = 11) and non-responders (n = 10) but IgG anti-HBs-SCs were significantly lower in the non-responder group (p < 0.001). Low amounts of HBs antibodies were also quantified by ELISA in non-responders’ sera. These results indicate that a suboptimal B cell response exists in non-responders to HBV vaccination. This B cell response may mediate a protection against clinically significant breakthrough hepatitis B infection.     

中国乙型肝炎不同流行区最佳免疫策略研究

目的比较在乙型肝炎不同流行区接种乙型肝炎疫苗的成本效益,探讨最佳免疫策略。方法采用成本效益分析方法和综合权重评分法,筛选高中低流行区最佳免疫策略。结果隆安、上海和济南三地接种乙型肝炎疫苗均获明显的经济效益;定义的不同流行区均以低剂量免疫策略（１０μｇ×３方案）的效益成本比值最大,高、中、低流行区分别为４９．９１、５４．５３、３７．６８;具有较高免疫保护率的高剂量免疫策略可获最大净效益;权重综合评分分析显示,低剂量免疫策略为最佳乙型肝炎免疫策略。结论建议经济较落后地区实行低剂量免疫策略,期望获得较大效益成本比;经济发达地区实施高剂量免疫策略,以获较大净效益并明显降低人群ＨＢｓＡｇ阳性率     

中国乙型肝炎疫苗免疫预防效果和现行策略的经济学和决策学评估

目的 对中国儿童乙型肝炎(乙肝)疫苗免疫预防14年(1992-2005年)效果评估和对现行的乙肝疫苗接种方案进行优化.方法 构建适合中国乙肝疫苗免疫预防实际效果评估和方案优化决策树模型,模型中参数根据相关研究文献或由专业机构提供.主要分析指标为成本效果比(CER)和效益成本比(BCR),用敏感度分析和阈值分析对各参数影响大小进行评估. 结果 14年间,中国直接和间接地用于新生儿乙肝疫苗接种总投入约为53.48亿元,而获得的总效益达2728.25亿元,即乙肝疫苗接种的净效益为2674.77亿元;同期由于疫苗接种避免发生HBV感染约6523万人,每预防一例HBV感染的费用为81.99元,但每投入1元获得的收益为51.01元.中国现行乙肝疫苗接种采用新生儿3剂5 μg,并于出生24 h内完成第一针;对孕妇筛检HBsAg,阳性者新生儿加注一剂乙肝免疫球蛋白(HBIG)均为最优方案.而新生儿以外的1～60岁人群乙肝疫苗接种仍町以获得正效益,尤其是在20岁以前接种效益更明显;但"筛检后再接种"均优于"直接接种". 结论 中国既往14年间在新生儿中实行的乙肝疫苗接种策略,从实际的预防效果和投资的经济效益看都是值得的;现行的新生儿优先接种并保持高覆盖率的策略仍为合理方案.     

Baseline hepatitis B vaccination coverage among persons with diabetes before implementing a U.S. recommendation for vaccination

Background

Recent data suggest that adults with diabetes are at increased risk of incident hepatitis B infection and may suffer increased morbidity or mortality from chronic hepatitis B infection. In October 2011, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended hepatitis B vaccination (HepB) for persons with diabetes aged 19–59 years and stated that persons with diabetes aged 60 years and older should be considered for vaccination.

Objective

To determine HepB coverage among persons with diabetes aged ≥19 years prior to implementation of the new ACIP recommendation and to determine predictors for vaccination.

Methods

We used the 2009 National Health Interview Survey to determine weighted proportions of self-reported HepB coverage (≥1 and ≥3 doses) among persons with diabetes aged ≥19 years. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to determine factors independently associated with vaccination.

Results

Overall, 19.5% (95% CI: 17.4–21.6%) and 16.6% (14.7–18.6%) of persons with diabetes, aged ≥19 years, reported receiving ≥1 and ≥3 doses of HepB, respectively, compared with 30.3% (29.4–31.3%) and 26.5% (25.5–27.4%) among persons without diabetes. While unadjusted HepB coverage was higher among persons without diabetes, diabetes status was not associated with ≥1 or ≥3 dose vaccination. Among persons with diabetes, being a healthcare provider (OR 4.2, 2.5–7.0), ever tested for HIV (OR 2.6, 1.8–3.6), high-risk behaviors (OR 1.8, 1.0–3.4, P-value = 0.053) and having some college education (OR 1.7, 1.2–2.4) were all independently associated with vaccination.

Conclusion

HepB coverage among persons with diabetes is low. These data can be used to provide a baseline for measuring future progress toward vaccination of persons with diabetes.     

乙型肝炎感染危险因素的多因素分析

目的了解不同人群乙肝病毒感染现状,分析乙肝病毒感染的相关危险因素。方法按照全国疾病监测点总体调查抽样方案的要求,进行入户个案调查乙肝感染相关行为危险因素,并采血检测HBV感染情况。调查数据用SPSS 13.0软件进行分析。结果口腔诊疗史（OR=1.498）、输血史（OR=1.434）和创伤性美容史（OR=2.132）是本次调查所得乙肝感染的主要危险因素。不同职业人群存在统计学差异（χ2=364.69,P〈0.001）,工人感染率最高,达到74.14%,不同文化程度人群中以高中（中专）感染率（63.33%）为最高（χ2=221.74,P〈0.001）。乙肝疫苗接种具有良好的保护效果（χ2=318.93,P〈0.001）。结论在重点人群中开展健康教育、改变不正确的行为、掌握正确的防治方法、实施免疫接种是预防控制乙肝的重要措施。     

Factors predicting response to hepatitis B vaccination in patients with inflammatory bowel disease

Hepatitis-B-seronegative patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) should be vaccinated. However, response to vaccination in this population seems to be poorer than in healthy people. The aim of this study is to assess which clinical, analytical and immunosuppressive therapy parameters affect the response to hepatitis B vaccination in patients with IBD. A follow-up including monitoring of the immunosuppressive therapy of a cohort of 123 patients with IBD was carried out after each round of vaccination against hepatitis B virus. The recombinant HBsAg vaccine (20 μg) was administered using the standard regimen (0, 1 and 6 months). Anti-HBs values >10 IU/L after 1–3 months post-vaccination were considered as a successful response to vaccination. One hundred and five patients (85.5%) completed the programme and response to vaccination was observed in 50 (47.6%) patients. Multivariate analysis showed an independent relationship, with weaker response to vaccination, for IBD duration equal to or longer than 110 months [adjusted OR (95% CI): 0.282 (0.114–0.701)], serum albumin levels below 3.6 mg/dl at the beginning of vaccination [adjusted OR (95% CI): 0.336 (0.112–1.009)], and corticosteroid therapy in more than one vaccination dose [adjusted OR (95% CI): 0.333 (0.135–0.820)]. This study confirms the poor response to hepatitis B vaccination in patients with IBD, being particularly weak in individuals with long-term IBD progression, low serum albumin levels and those on corticosteroid therapy.     

Annual influenza vaccination reduces total hospitalization in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection: A population-based analysis

BackgroundThis study evaluated hospitalization and mortality in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection (HBV (+)) and matched comparison patients after stratifying the patients according to annual influenza vaccination (Vaccine (+)).MethodsData from Taiwan's National Health Insurance program from 2000 to 2009 were used to identify HBV(+)/vaccine(+) (n = 4434), HBV(+)/Vaccine(−) (n = 3646), HBV(−)/Vaccine(+) (n = 8868), and HBV(−)/Vaccine(−) (n = 8868) cohorts. The risk of pneumonia/influenza, respiratory failure, intensive care, hospitalization, and mortality in the four cohorts was evaluated.ResultsThe total hospitalization rate was significantly lower in patients with chronic HBV infection who received an annual influenza vaccination than in chronic HBV-infected patients who did not receive an influenza vaccination (16.29 vs. 24.02 per 100 person-years), contributing to an adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of 0.56 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.50–0.62). The HBV(+)/Vaccine(+) cohort also had lower risks than the HBV(+)/Vaccine(−) cohort for pneumonia and influenza (adjusted HR = 0.79, 95% CI = 0.67–0.92), intensive care unit admission (adjusted HR = 0.33, 95% CI = 0.25–0.43), and mortality (adjusted HR = 0.19, 95% CI = 0.15–0.24).ConclusionsOur results suggest that annual influenza vaccination can reduce the risk of hospitalization and mortality in patients with chronic HBV infection.     

Duration of hepatitis B antibody response in children immunised with hepatitis B and compulsory vaccines

Twenty four subjects were simultaneously administered DT toxoids, OPV and HBV vaccines at the age of 3, 4–5 and 11 months and then followed up for 2 and 4 years in order to evaluate the duration of the immune response and the need and the timing of HBV revaccination. A fall in anti-HBs titre below 10 mIU/ml was observed at the follow up in 4/24 (16.7%) of the subjects. In other 5 children (20.8%) anti-HBs titre was found to be just above 10 mIU/ml. This would suggest that a revaccination is indicated and it could be performed at the age of 5–6 years when children enter school. This schedule is simple, effective and money saving since it reduces the cost/benefit ratio and the number of visits for immunisations, and it is expected to improve the compliance for the vaccination.     

慢性肾脏病患者不同免疫方案接种乙型肝炎疫苗的免疫效果及影响因素分析

目的:分析不同免疫方案对慢性肾脏病（CKD）患者接种乙型肝炎（乙肝）疫苗的免疫效果及影响因素。方法:研究对象为2019年5月至2020年7月在山西省4家医院参加随机对照试验的CKD患者273例。按1∶1∶1比例采用区组随机分为3组（每组91例）,分别接受0-1-6月20 μg、0-1-2-6月20 μg、0-1-2-6...     

Long-term protection after hepatitis B vaccination in people living with HIV

BackgroundHepatitis B vaccine is important in people living with HIV (PLHIV) since both viruses have the same transmission routes and co-infection has greater morbidity.PLHIV usually have poor response to hepatitis B vaccine. The duration of immunity in PLHIV is unknown.The objective of this study is to evaluate the duration of serological response and clinical protection provided by hepatitis B vaccination in PLHIV.MethodsRetrospective study of a PLHIV cohort primarily vaccinated for hepatitis B virus (HBV) from 2001 to 2002. Markers of infection and protection from HBV were investigated in those individuals who were still attending the outpatient clinic, in São Paulo, Brazil from 2012 to 2014. Three groups were analyzed. Group 1: adults who responded to primary vaccine series. Group 2: non-responders to primary vaccine series. Group 3: subjects from both Groups 1 and 2 who did not receive any booster doses after seroconversion.ResultsA cohort of 121 PLHIV was analyzed for seroconversion and persistence of anti-HBs. The majority were female (54.5%) and mean age was 50.1 years.After 11 years, none of the patients had serologic evidence of HBV infection.Overall, 41/58 (70.7%) of the initial responders (Group 1) had maintained anti-HBs ≥ 10 mIU/mL. Greater CD4+ values and anti-HBs > 100 mIU/mL at the time of first vaccine series were associated with persistence of anti-HBs.During the time of evaluation, 35/63 (55.6%) of the initial non-responders (Group 2) successfully seroconverted (anti-HBs ≥ 10 mIU/mL) in response to one or more booster doses.From the time of their seroconversion, 70 of the patients did not receive any further booster doses (Group 3). After 10 years, 54/70 (77.1%) of these individuals has maintained anti-HBs ≥ 10 mIU/mL.ConclusionsEvaluation of long-term immunity for hepatitis B in PLHIV following vaccination showed a strong persistence of anti-HBs and no serologic evidence of HBV infection. Boosters may be effective in PLHIV non-responders to primary vaccination.     

Hepatitis B vaccination of relatives of hepatitis B virus DNA positive carriers: An experience with plasma-derived vaccine

We assessed in a western population the efficacy of a plasma-derived hepatitis B vaccine in relatives of highly infectious hepatitis B virus (HBV) carriers. A consecutive group of 103 HbsAg, anti-HBs and anti-HBc negative household relatives of 45 HBV-DNA positive chronic carriers received a 5 pg dose of plasma-derived vaccine at 0, 1, 2 and 12 months. Protective levels of immunity developed in 101 subjects (97.8%) 3 months after boosting. Low responders to the vaccine were mostly found among parents and spouses of carriers, whilst offspring and siblings were usually high responders. The main discriminant in predicting a good response was age below 12 years. Hyporesponsiveness did not occur in family clusters. No major HBV events occurred among immunized relatives patients. Hepatitis B vaccine is safe and effective in immunizing relatives of HBV carriers while no genetic conditioning of the immune response is evident among them.Corresponding author.     

Hepatitis B vaccination of susceptible elderly residents of long term care facilities during a hepatitis B outbreak

Protection of older persons, particularly those with diabetes, against hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is of growing concern because of increased reports of outbreaks among long-term care facility residents receiving assisted blood glucose monitoring. We evaluated hepatitis B vaccine immunogenicity among residents immunized in response to two such outbreaks in skilled nursing facilities during June 2009–July 2010. One hundred forty-eight (71%) of 209 residents were found to be susceptible to HBV infection. Of 105 patients who began a vaccination series with Twinrix^® (0-, 1-, 6-month dosing), 86 (82%) completed the series and postvaccination testing. Of these, most were elderly (median age 79.5 years; range 45–101), female (56%), and African-American (51%). Twenty-nine (34%) vaccinated residents had post-vaccination hepatitis B surface antibody levels ≥10 mIU/ml. There were no significant differences in vaccine response by age, gender, race, diabetes status, body mass index, or current smoking status. Our findings indicate that a low proportion of skilled nursing facility residents achieved a seroprotective response after hepatitis B vaccination.     

A comparison of two Fendrix hepatitis B vaccination schedules in patients with inflammatory bowel disease

Systemic immunosuppressive therapy (IS) renders patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) vulnerable to fulminant hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Seroprotection against HBV through a full vaccination scheme is preferably obtained before IS is initiated, but often conflicts with the clinical need to initiate therapy rapidly. Consequently, the vast majority of patients will use IS during booster vaccinations. In this retrospective cohort study, we examined the serological response after a modified vaccination schedule which includes an initial double dose of Fendrix in patients with IBD and compared the results with the serological responses of patients with IBD who received the standard schedule. Seroprotection rates were 86.2 % and 88.9 % in the modified and standard schedule groups respectively. One-third of patients obtained seroprotection after only one double dose vaccine. A double dose may be considered in patients with IBD at high short-term risk of HBV infection when a rapid protective response is warranted.