Correlation between change of hepatitis A epidemiologic characteristics and hepatitis A vaccination in Quzhou, Zhejiang

Objective To understand the correlation between the change of epidemiologic characteristics of hepatitis A and hepatitis A vaccination in Quzhou, Zhejiang province, during 2001-2014, provide evidence for the prevention and control of hepatitis A. Methods The incidence data, vaccination data and serologic surveillance data of hepatitis A in Quzhou during this period were collected and analyzed. Results The incidence of hepatitis A was in decline, no periodic outbreaks occurred. The incidence of hepatitis A ranged from 0.52/lakh to 6.99/lakh in past 14 years. The average incidence of hepatitis A was 4.81/lakh and 1.08/lakh respectively before and after the inclusion of hepatitis A vaccine into immunization program. The incidence peaks was during March-May and in August before the inclusion of hepatitis A vaccine into immunization program, but the seasonality was not obvious after the inclusion of hepatitis A vaccine into immunization program. The reported cases were mainly distributed in Jiangshan and Longyou counties. Most cases were farmers (68.94%) and the cases in age group 30-49 years accounted for 43.24%. The incidence was higher in males than in females. Conclusion The results revealed that the reported incidence of hepatitis A was in decline in Quzhou. Hepatitis A vaccination can effectively reduce the incidence of hepatitis A.