Hepatitis B vaccination coverage rate among adult patients of a chosen primary care clinic in Warsaw in 2009–2013

Background. The current epidemiological status of hepatitis B (hep B) in Poland is good. This is because of the introduction of compulsory vaccination of children and the radical improvement in sanitary and hygienic standards in hospitals and outpatient clinics. However, hepatitis B is still mainly contacted by patients during medical procedures, and the highest incidence of acute hep B is reported among the adult population. For these reasons, a hep B vaccination should be recommended to all adults, not only from the risk groups but also for healthy individuals.

Objectives. The aim of the present study was to determine hepatitis B vaccination coverage rates among adult patients of one outpatient clinic in Warsaw in 2009–2013.

Material and methods. A retrospective analysis of the medical records of 683 patients was conducted. The type of vaccination schedule, appropriateness of the immunization course, age and gender of vaccinated individuals and driving factors for vaccination were analyzed.

Results. Annually, from 1.4% to 2% of adult patients were vaccinated against hep B, 64% of those patients completed the vaccination schedule correctly. The likelihood of successful completion of a recommended scheme of vaccination was higher in women as compared with men. It was also higher among patients given three doses of vaccination compared to four doses of vaccination (p < 0.05). The age of patients did not affect the recommended immunization schedule.

Conclusions. The hepatitis B vaccination coverage rates among adult patients were very low. The risk of incorrect realization of the vaccination schedule is higher among men and patients requiring a four-dose course of vaccination. Particular attention should be paid to these groups of vaccinated individuals; written information about the immunization schedule should be given to increase the chance of successful completion of the schedule.