Prevention of hepatitis A through vaccination in Uruguay (2005-2010)

Introduction: Hepatitis A is a health problem in developing countries. Objectives: To describe strategies to control Hepatitis A through immunization. To describe the evolution of the number of cases, rates and outbreaks from 2005 through 2010. Method: Retrospective descriptive study covering the 2005-2010 period of time. The following was analysed: Strategies used by the Ministry of Public Health to control Hepatitis A through immunization: blocking of outbreaks; population at risk; universal immunization. Description: Number of cases of Hepatitis A in Uruguay, and in the department of Artigas; number of outbreaks in cities, neighborhoods, families and other; number of cases/age. Results: 21 outbreaks were recorded. 16.715 first doses and 11.354 second doses were applied. From 10 September, 2007 through 26 November, 2007 the Ministry of Public Health and the Ministry of Social Development conducted an immunization campaign aimed at children in the public sub-sector who were between 1 and 5 years old. Professors at the School of Medicine of the University of the Republic and medical students supported and contributed to the dissemination of the campaign. 44.716 first doses and 25.095 second doses were applied. In 2008 the two dose vaccine is included in the mandatory and free immunization plan. The national rate dropped from 69.6 to 2.7 from 2005 through 2010 (p<0,05); and in the department of Artigas from 780.57/100.000 in 2005 to 0.66 in 2010 (p<0,05). Between 2005 and 2008 there were 22 outbreaks in cities, in 2010 few intra-family outbreaks and in schools were registered. The decrease in the number of cases from 2005 through 2010 was significant for all ages. Comment: A significant and sustained decrease of Hepatitis A outbreaks and rates was evidenced in Uruguay from 2005 through 2010.