Screening and vaccination for hepatitis B in Hong Kong University students

Abstract

A campaign to promote screening and vaccination for hepatitis B in students at the University of Hong Kong is described. Students entering the program appeared to have been highly motivated and responded well to a mailed recall. Ninety-eight percent of those eligible had the first dose of vaccine, and more than 96% completed the full course of three vaccinations. The prevalence of hepatitis B antigen was 3.59%; male students showed significantly higher prevalence (4.48%) than female students (2.97%). Hepatitis B surface antibody prevalence was the same in both sexes (11.8%). These levels are about one third the prevalence levels found in the same age group in the general population in Hong Kong. The author recommends that students at secondary schools and postsecondary education institutions in Hong Kong be offered serological screening and vaccination for hepatitis B. A similar policy is recommended for students from Southeast Asia who attend overseas colleges and universities, including those in the United States.