Factors affecting refusal rates of the birth dose of hepatitis B vaccine: A single center study

Deepa Vasireddy, Dianne Yusi, Su G. Berrak, Janice Lichtenberger

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

7 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective: Hepatitis B virus infection is potentially life-threatening. The hepatitis B birth dose vaccination coverage was 68.6% per the 2011 National Immunization Survey. In this study, we aimed to study factors related to vaccine refusal. Material and Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of live births at The Unterberg Children’s Hospital at Monmouth Medical Center except for those patients whose mother’s hepatitis B antigen status was positive and those admitted/transferred to the NICU. Data collected on mothers and infants included race/ethnicity, language and gestational age, birth weight, and hepatitis B vaccine consent status. Results: A total of 259 infants were included in the study between May 2012 and February 2013. Caucasian and English-speaking mothers were found to have higher vaccine refusal rates. Conclusion: Although the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices statement on hospital policies for the prevention of hepatitis B is very clear, newborn hepatitis B vaccination coverage at Monmouth Medical Center is only 29.7%. Quality improvement strategies have to be implemented.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)159-164
Number of pages6
JournalCocuk Enfeksiyon Dergisi
Volume8
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - 2014

Keywords

  • Hepatitis B virus
  • Newborn
  • Refuse
  • Vaccine

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
  • Infectious Diseases

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