PMID: 40287667 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40287667/

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Eliminating Hepatitis B by 2030 is achievable through vaccination. However, despite the safety of the Hepatitis B vaccine, vaccination coverage among adults in India is suboptimal.

METHODS: From April 2021 to August 2022, a study in New Delhi, India assessed Hepatitis B vaccination status, willingness to be vaccinated, and awareness of vaccination importance among adults.

RESULTS: 7,097 participants (mean age ± SD = 43.3 ± 14 years; range = 18-99 years) were screened. 93.3% of participants reported not receiving even a single dose of the Hepatitis B vaccine. Only 4.4% of the participants were completely vaccinated for Hepatitis B. On Binomial Logistic Regression, we found that as the age increase [Exp(b) = 4.09; 95% CI = 2.061-8.148; p < 0.001], females [Exp(b) = 1.327; 95% CI = 1.056-1.667; p = 0.015], married [Exp(b) = 5.891; 95% CI = 4.610-7.528; p < 0.001], illiterate [Exp(b) = 30.085; 95% CI = 13.307-68.020; p < 0.001], employed [Exp(b) = 1.966; 95% CI = 1.471-2.629; p < 0.001], Muslim population [Exp(b) = 3.031; 95% CI = 1.552-5.917; p = 0.001], monthly salary < 10,000 INR [Exp(b) = 9.580; 95% CI = 6.172-14.872; p < 0.001] are significantly less likely to have completed Hepatitis B vaccination. Most respondents (85.5%) were willing to receive Hepatitis B vaccination, whereas only 25% knew that Hepatitis B vaccination was an effective way to prevent and control Hepatitis B.

CONCLUSION: Targeted policies and programs are needed to improve low vaccination rates among older adults in India. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends Universal Adult Hepatitis B vaccination, which can eliminate the need for risk factor screening, increase vaccination coverage, and reduce Hepatitis B cases.