Massachusetts regulations have required hepatitis B vaccine (HBV) for kindergarten entrants since 1996 and for seventh grade entrants since 1999. However, the implementation schedule resulted in a cohort of susceptible children in grades 3-6 and 8.
Beginning in 1998, BPHC public health nurses (PHNs) from Communicable Disease Control and the School Health Program Private/Parochial Schools collaborated to implement a catch-up school-based HBV program for students in grades 3-8 in 36 parochial schools. School Health PHNs educated principals, faculty, parents, and students about benefits of HBV. Because three doses of the vaccine needed to be administered at each school within a seven month period, scheduling and staffing were major planning challenges. During the implementation phase, PHNs arranged for transport of all needed supplies, created appropriate work areas, managed anxiety levels of students, staff and parents, and handled medical emergencies. Over 1,500 children and staff were vaccinated, with a series completion rate greater than 90%.
A school-based HBV program can reach a significant number of unvaccinated children in a relatively short time period. The planning process, collaborative relationships, and well-organized, flexible staff were keys to success of this program.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, the participant will be able to (1) design a hepatitis B vaccination program for a school district and (2) discuss steps for implementing any health program in a non-health care setting
Keywords: Hepatitis B, School-Based Programs
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Boston Public Health Commission
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.