Hepatitis B Immunisation Programme

17 Jan 2001

INTRODUCTION

Hepatitis B was included in the National Childhood Immunisation Programme in 1987. About 90% of children 12 years of age and below have been immunised against Hepatitis B. However children born before 1987 (now 13 years or older) would not have been covered under the National Childhood Immunisation Programme. A recent study conducted by the School Health Service showed that overall only 33% of Secondary 1 - 5 students had received Hepatitis B immunisation.

A seroprevalence study conducted in 1999 revealed that only 40% of the population aged 18 - 69 years have immunity to Hepatitis B virus. In the younger age group of 18 - 29 years, only 28% had immunity. Among those aged 30 - 39, 40% were immune. The older age groups had a higher immunity ranging from 44% - 49% probably because of previous exposure to Hepatitis B virus.

SCHOOL PROGRAMME

Starting in February 2001, the School Health Service will commence a four-year Hepatitis B Immunisation Programme in schools to immunise those who were not covered under the National Childhood Immunisation Programme. The screening and immunisation for Hepatitis B will be carried out for all Secondary 3, Junior College 2 and Centralised Institute 3 students. The programme will be offered to students in polytechnics, ITEs and universities in the later part of the year.

For this programme, the pre-immunisation blood screening will be provided free. Students will pay $25 for the three-dose vaccination course. The pre-immunisation blood screening and the three doses of vaccination will be administered in the schools for the convenience of the parents and students. The Ministry of Health would like to encourage parents to give consent for their children to participate in this programme. (Details here.)

PUBLIC EDUCATION PROGRAMME

To complement the school immunisation programme, the National Health Education Department will conduct a mass media education programme from 1 Feb 2001. The media programme aims to educate the public on the risks of Hepatitis B infection and encourage members of the public who have not been immunised to see their doctor to be screened and immunised against Hepatitis B infection.

Members of the public can call HealthLine at 1800-223 0313 for more information. They could also pick up a pamphlet on Hepatitis B immunisation from polyclinics or Guardian or Unity stores.

Doctor On Call Programme (English)

The public can call up HealthLine at 1800-223 0313 to speak with a doctor on Hepatitis B. The programme will be conducted on:

7th Feb (Wed) 8.30 am - 1.00 pm A/Prof Ho Khek Yu

8th Feb (Thurs) 2.00 pm - 5.00 pm Dr Lee Yin Mei