A NEONATAL HEPATITIS-B SURVEILLANCE AND VACCINATION PROGRAM - NEW-YORK-CITY, 1987 TO 1988

From July 1987 to June 1988, 1030 pregnant women with hepatitis B were reported to a New York City surveillance program. Among 832 infants under follow-up, the coverage rates for combined hepatitis B immune globulin and vaccine doses 1, 2, and 3 were 84%, 77%, and 59%, respectively. Infants covered by Medicaid and uninsured Black and Hispanic infants were significantly less likely to be completely vaccinated. An estimated 160 cases of chronic hepatitis B infection were prevented among infants enrolled in the program. Strategies are needed to improve vaccine coverage among hard-to-reach groups.