Hepatitis A, B, and A/B vaccination series completion among US adults: A claims-based analysis

Human Vaccines and Immunotherapeutics, July 12, 2018

A recently presented study, conducted by Analysis Group and GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals SA, highlights where medical education and resources may be directed to impact hepatitis vaccination coverage and series completion. 

Hepatitis A and B are vaccine-preventable viral liver infections. Recently, the US has experienced a number of hepatitis outbreaks, which may be related to a suboptimal hepatitis vaccination coverage rate among adults, especially among patients at increased risk for infection. Researchers from Analysis Group's Health Care consulting practice – including Managing Principal Mei Sheng Duh – worked with GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals SA on multi-tiered study to assess potential gaps in vaccination coverage. 

One piece of the research focuses on vaccination completion, titled “Hepatitis A, B, and A/B vaccination series completion among US adults: A claims-based analysis,” published in Human Vaccines and Immunotherapeutics. Another piece of research presented at the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) 2018 National Conference, titled “Hepatitis A, B and A/B Vaccination Rates by Provider and Place of Vaccination: A Retrospective Analysis Using Insurance Claims Data, 2007–2015,” focuses on the type of providers from whom and places where patients received vaccinations.  

Overall, their research found that the proportions of adults who completed the hepatitis A and B vaccine series were low, ranging between 19.0% and 36.2% for hepatitis A, and between 24.0% and 48.9% for hepatitis B. Among adults who did receive hepatitis vaccines, primary care providers were the most common provider type and physicians' offices were the most common place of vaccination for the administering of the first dose of hepatitis vaccines. Given the crucial role of primary care providers in initiating hepatitis vaccinations among adults, the results of this study demonstrate where medical education and resources may be directed to improve vaccination coverage and completion rates. 

Read the Human Vaccines and Immunotherapeutics article

Read The Clinical Advisor's AANP coverage

 

Authors

Ghaswalla P, Patterson B, Cheng W, Duchesneau E, Macheca M, Duh MS