Rising hepatitis A immunity in U.S. military recruits

Mil Med. 2007 Jul;172(7):787-93. doi: 10.7205/milmed.172.7.787.

Abstract

Background: The U.S. military immunizes new recruits against hepatitis A. Since 2001, immunization with the hepatitis A vaccine has been recommended for civilian adolescents in higher risk areas. Recently, the Armed Forces Epidemiological Board recommended serologic screening where feasible to reduce redundant recruit immunizations.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine hepatitis A seroprevalence in recruit populations to inform screening policy.

Methods: Banked serum from a sample of military recruits (n = 2,592) in 2004 was tested for total antibody to hepatitis A (anti-hepatitis A virus (HAV)).

Results: The overall anti-HAV seroprevalence was 12.0% (95% confidence interval, 10.8%-13.3%). Adjusted to the age distribution of the 18- to 34-year-old population, the seroprevalence was 11.9% (10.5%-13.4%). The lowest seroprevalence was noted in the 1984 birth cohort, with significantly higher seroprevalence among younger recruits.

Conclusions: Rising hepatitis A immunity among successive birth cohorts suggests increasing compliance with immunization recommendations. In anticipation of rising population immunity, universal screening of military recruits for anti-HAV is recommended.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Hepatitis A / epidemiology*
  • Hepatitis A / immunology
  • Hepatitis A Vaccines / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Immunization*
  • Male
  • Military Medicine*
  • Military Personnel*
  • Risk Factors
  • Seroepidemiologic Studies
  • United States / epidemiology

Substances

  • Hepatitis A Vaccines