Introduction of Hepatitis-B Birth Dose in the Routine Immunization Schedule: Recommendation of the Tanzania Immunization Technical Advisory Group

Le résumé fourni par la source

Background: In 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection associated complications caused around 1.1millions deaths worldwide, translating into 14 deaths per 100,000 population. Vaccination for HBV is the most cost-effective intervention against HBV infection. WHO recommends all infants to receive the hepatitis B birth-dose (HepB-BD) vaccine against HBV infection as early as possible (preferably within 24 hours after birth) and a complete childhood vaccine series for maximum protection against the infection. However, Tanzania is yet to introduce the HepB-BD vaccine which exposes newborns to the risk of mother-to-child transmission and early childhood infections. Methods: The Tanzania Immunization Technical Advisory Group (TITAG) held its meeting in May 2023 to review available evidence regarding safety, efficacy, cost effectiveness, and the programmatic implications of introducing the HepB-BD vaccine in the routine childhood vaccination schedule. Results and recommendation: High-quality evidence available has clearly demonstrated that the HBV monovalent HepB-BD vaccine has acceptable safety profile, highly efficacious in prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (MTCT) and early childhood HBV infections, and highly cost-effective. TITAG recommended that the universal HepB-BD vaccine be introduced in routine vaccination in Tanzania, with maximum leverage on the existing immunization structures, coupled with routine surveillance for safety and effectiveness of the vaccines.

Ce résumé expose les affirmations des auteurs. BNTIC ne l’interprète pas comme une validation indépendante des résultats.