Hepatitis A and travel amongst Nova Scotia postsecondary students: evidence for a targeted vs. universal immunization strategy.

摘要: Abstract Background Canadian guidelines recommend hepatitis A virus (HAV) vaccination for high-risk persons, such as travelers to HAV-endemic areas. The US CDC advocates universal immunization. Objectives To explore whether a strategy HAV immunization rather than the targeted approach is justified by measuring compliance of postsecondary students with guidelines. Methods cross-sectional study using an electronic survey method elicited risk factors, history, disease status, and factors affecting status from students. Seropositivity was determined antibodies in saliva convenience sample participants within each group. Statistical analysis used Fisher's exact test logistic regression. Results We received 2279 completed surveys (10.6% response) 235 samples (58.7% response). total 1380 (60.6%) had traveled regions 1851 (81.2%) were planning do so next 5 years. Less half who areas reported history (48.0%). seropositivity rates higher amongst those (63.6%) or travel (55.0%) never no plans (17.4%). Only 8.9% unvaccinated seropositive (5.3% Canadian-born students). Amongst unvaccinated, students, there nonsignificant trend previously (14.7%) not abroad (4.4%), suggesting exposure during travel. Nearly all (96.5%) willing be vaccinated based on current knowledge if their doctor recommended it, indicated willingness receive vaccine it provided free charge. Conclusions Current are being followed student population. Given high this population, may warranted.