Outcome of a hepatitis B vaccination program for clients of a drug consumption facility

Background: Intravenous drug users (IDUs) are a risk group for hepatitis B. In Germany, the hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccination rates in IDUs are low. Objectives: In this study the implementation and success of HBV vaccination in a drug consumption facility (DCF) was evaluated. Study design: Clients attending a DCF were asked regarding their HBV status. In case of no known HBV infection and no previous vaccination, clients interested in HBV vaccination were offered a HBV blood testing. HBV vaccination was administered to susceptible clients in months 0, 1, 6. Booster vaccinations were offered to clients without seroconversion (anti-HBs < 100 U/l). Results: 193 out of 364 clients reported on a known HBV infection or immunity after vaccination. 95 (55.6%) out of 171 eligible clients underwent a HBV serology. According to HBV serology 31 (32.6%) out of 95 clients were not susceptible for vaccination (mainly due to an unknown HBV infection). 47 (73.4%) out of 64 clients susceptible were administered 3 vaccinations. 10 clients received at least one further vaccination. For those showing up for testing (36 out of 47 clients) the seroconversion rate was 69.4% ( > 100 IU/l) and 83.3% ( > 10 IU/l), respectively. Discussion: Only a minority of clients of a DCF was susceptible for HBV vaccination. 47 out of 64 (73.4%) susceptible clients underwent at least three administrations of the vaccine, mostly resulting in seroconversion. Even in IDUs attending a DCF, a clientele with unstable social and health conditions, HBV vaccination can be carried out successfully.