Abstract:

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the vaccination rates and seroprevalences related to hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccines in children between 7-15 years of age, in two schools from different socioeconomic levels, before they entered in The Expanded Programme on Immunization in Turkey. Method: Our study was performed in 2003 in 546 children in two schools from different socioeconomic status in Istanbul Bakırköy district. Parents were informed before the study in an informative meeting and children of those parents who were willing to participate in the study were included in this survey. Administration of hepatitis A and B vaccines and history of jaundice in children were questioned. Anti HAV IgG, HbsAg and Anti Hbs markers were studied from venous blood samples drawn from children Results: Vaccination rates with hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccines and seroprevalence of these agents were found to be significantly higher in the school where the socioeconomic level was higher. Conclusion: The administration of vaccines not included in National Immunization Program may vary depending on socioeconomic status. Today, the implementation of hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccines into The National Immunization Program is an important public health initiative in terms of removing the existing social inequality in child health.

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