Background
Western Australian general practitioners
may order Department of Health
funded hepatitis A and B vaccines for
patients newly notified with hepatitis
C to prevent complications associated
with co-infections. The aim of this study
was to determine vaccination uptake
of hepatitis C patients through this
program.
Discussion
Uptake of hepatitis A and B vaccination
was higher than that of similar
populations. However, vaccination
course completion was low. General
practitioners need to emphasise to their
patients the importance of completing a
vaccine course.
Results
Vaccination orders for initial doses
were received for 37% (448/1209)
of patients. Vaccination uptake was
positively associated with age and non-
Aboriginality. Final vaccination doses
were ordered for 30% of patients for
whom an initial order had been received.
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