Integration of hepatitis B immunization into EPI in the Philippines

Community-based serological surveys in rural populations show an average carrier rate for the virus of 12 percent. Transmission is largely a problem of early childhood, with 75% to 85% of transmissions occurring between the ages of three months and five years. This document examines the feasibility of integrating hepatitis B vaccination into the country"s expanded program of immunization (EPI) in order to reduce the virus" spread from child to child. The report concludes that the existing EPI is performing extremely well and is capable of absorbing an additional antigen without disrupting delivery services. It is recommended that all infants be vaccinated as early in life as possible with three doses of hepatitis B vaccine, with a minimum interval of four weeks between doses. which covers target groups and vaccine requirements; the phase-in stage; vial sizes; storage and shipping volumes; cold chain and vaccine logistics; vaccine packaging, inventory, and ordering; freezing of the vaccine; supplying vaccine to private practitioners; vaccine security; quantity of syringes and needles required; and supervision, reporting, procurement, staff training, and public education.