Purpose: To assess a hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccination program for recent initiate IDUs conducted at a syringe exchange program. Many studies, including the CIDUS II project, have found that many recent initiates into drug injection have not been exposed to HBV, but are at very high risk for becoming infected. Methods: Free HBV vaccination was provided to IDUs who had been injecting drugs for 10 years or less in conjunction with a research study in New York City. IDU subjects were recruited and screened for HBV at a local syringe exchange. HBV negative subjects were then offered vaccination at the syringe exchange site, in conjunction with follow-up research interviews. Subjects were paid for research participation, but not for being vaccinated. Results: 74 subjects were screened for HBV, of whom 35 subjects were HBV negative. All 35 HBV negative subjects returned to learn their test results and all were offered HBV vaccination. 33 (94%) received at least one vaccination, and 30 (86%) received the full series. Conclusions: Offering HBV vaccination at a "user friendly," convenient location led to a very high percentage of new initiate IDUs who were successfully vaccinated. Bringing services to IDUs is likely to be an important principle in public health work with this group.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session the participant will understand the importance of making vaccination easily accessible to IDUs
Keywords: Injecting Drug Use, Hepatitis B
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
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.