Incidence of hepatitis 'A' infection post vaccination program

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study is to assess the incidence of Hepatitis 'A' Virus [HAV] infection after the introduction of vaccination program in 2008. Health care settings in Jeddah region, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. An ecologic record-based study. Data on HAV infections were documented from the health registries of the surveillance unit in Jeddah region. Four hundred sixty-nine HAV infection were documented from 2007 to 2009, the incidence rate revealed a decreasing trend from 4.57 per 100,000 in 2007 to 3.27 per 100,000 in 2009 [p=0.016]. The decreasing trend was demonstrated among Saudis only [p=0.007]. The majority of the cases were in the age groups of 5-14 and 15-44 years. No significant difference could be noticed between males and females. A decreasing trend of HAV infections occurred in Jeddah from 2007 to 2009 among Saudis, which could be partially attributed to the HAV vaccination in 2008. Long-term follow-up is recommended to evaluate the result of vaccination