Vaccination programs targeting persons with risk behaviors, such as men-who-have-sex-with-men (MSM), present difficult challenges. Innovative approaches are necessary to reach these populations.
Methods:
A free, three-dose combination hepatitis A/hepatitis B (HAV/HBV) vaccine was available to MSM through a variety of venues within the community: health department clinics, community health centers, private physicians who cater to MSM, and community outreach at MSM bars.
Results:
Using the recommended doses (two for HAV, three for HBV) as criteria for successful vaccination, the completion rate for HAV was 49% and for HBV 29.3%. Alternatively, a single HAV vaccination provided at least 1 year's protection in more than 94% of recipients meaning that at least 1840 of the 1957 MSM were successfully immunized against hepatitis A.
Conclusions:
Multiple and interchangeable venues for hepatitis vaccination eliminate sufficient practical barriers to vaccination to empower MSM to complete the vaccination series.
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