[Studies on immunization strategies for hepatitis B in different endemic areas of China].

OBJECTIVE

To compare the cost-benefit of immunization with hepatitis B (HB) vaccine in different endemic areas of HB and to explore the optimal strategy for it.

METHODS

Cost-benefit analysis and comprehensive weighted score analysis (CWSA) were used to screen the optimal immunization strategy for low, medium and heavy endemic areas of HB.

RESULTS

Significant economic benefit was obtained in Long-An County, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Shanghai and Jinan, Shandong Province from HB immunization programs for infants. The greatest benefit cost ratio (BCR) was provided by the low-dose immunization strategy, which was 49.91, 54.53 and 37.68, respectively for heavy, medium and low endemic areas of HB. The maximal net benefit could be obtained by the high-dose immunization strategy with better immune protective efficacy. CWSA showed that the low-dose immunization strategy was the optimal one for HB immunization.

CONCLUSION

It is suggested that the low-dose immunization strategy be implemented in undeveloped areas to obtain a greater BCR, and the high-dose one be implemented in more developed areas to obtain more net benefit and lower prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen carriage.