Hepatitis A vaccination coverage among adolescents (13-17 years) in the United States, 2008-2016.

Background: The hepatitis A (HepA) vaccine was recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) incrementally from 1996 to 1999. In 2006, HepA vaccine was recommended (1) universally for children aged 12-23 months, (2) for persons who are at increased risk for infection, or (3) for any person wishing to obtain immunity. Catch-up vaccination can be considered.
Objective: To assess HepA vaccine coverage among adolescents and factors independently associated with vaccination administration in the US.
Methods: The 2008-2016 National Immunization Survey-Teen was utilized to determine 1 and ≥2 dose HepA vaccination coverage among adolescents aged 13-17 years. Factors associated with HepA vaccine series initiation (1 dose) were determined by bivariate and multivariable analyses. Data were stratified by state groups based on ACIP recommendation: universal child vaccination recommended since 1999 (group 1); child vaccination considered since 1999 (group 2); universal child vaccination recommendation since 2006 (group 3).
Results: In 2016, national vaccination coverage for 1 and ≥2 doses of HepA vaccine among adolescents was 73.9% and 64.4%, respectively. Nationally, a 40 percentage point increase in vaccination coverage occurred among adolescents born in 1995 compared to adolescents born in 2003. Nationally, the independent factors associated with increased vaccine initiation was race/ethnicity (Hispanic, American Indian/Alaskan Native, Asian), military payment source and provider recommendation for HepA vaccination (2008-2013). Living in a suburban or rural region, living in poverty (level <1.33-5.03), and absence of state daycare or school HepA requirement were common factors associated with decreased likelihood of vaccine initiation.
Conclusions: Efforts to increase HepA vaccine coverage in adolescents in all regions of the country would strengthen population protection from hepatitis A virus (HAV).
(Published by Elsevier Ltd.)