Epidemiological Characteristics of Hepatitis A before and after Expanded Program on Immunization in Qinzhou from 2005 to 2023

Pei Gui; Shi Zongli; Huang Xinzhong; Huang Lianzhen; Fu Fayi

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1001-568X.2025.05.0017

Abstract：OBJECTIVE To obtain the epidemiological characteristics of hepatitis A(HepA)from 2005 to 2023 and the preventive effect of the HepA vaccine after its inclusion in the Expanded Program on Immunization(EPI)in 2008 in Qinzhou,providing a basis for formulating prevention and control strategies.METHODS HVA case data were collected through the Chinese Disease Prevention and Control Information System.Epidemiological characteristics of HVA was de scribed,and compared before and after introducing HepA into EPI(2005-2007 vs 2007-2023).RESULTS A total of 1 063 cases of HVA were reported from 2005 to 2023.No death cases were reported.The average annual incidence rate was 1.75/105.After the EPI inclusion,the annual average incidence rate of hepatitis A decreased from 3.52/105 to 1.43/105(x2=195.647,P＜0.05).There was no obvious seasonality of the incidence.There was a difference in incidence among counties and districts.The incidence rate in males was higher than that in females(x2=92.447,P＜0.05),with a male-to-female ratio of 2.14∶1.The occupation distribution was mainly farmers(55.03％).The peak age moved from youth towards aged.The constituent ratio of the cases in age group 0～15 years decreased from 41.67％to 11.77％significantly.The vaccinate rate of HepA of children was 88.61％.CONCLUSION The incidence of HepA in Qinzhou from 2005 to 2023 showed a downward trend.After the inclusion of HepA vaccine in EPI,the incidence rate of HepA in target children decreased significantly,but the prevention and control situation for adults or farmers was still serious.In addition to consolidating the vaccination rate of target children,it is necessary to strengthen the comprehensive prevention and control work of HepA vaccination and health education in key areas and key populations.