Documenting the Impact of Hepatitis B Immunization: best practices for conducting a serosurvey; 2011 (Sólo inglés)

Download document	Purpose of the assessment Options for evaluating the performance or impact of a hepatitis B vaccination programme are summarized in Box 1. The purpose of the assessment will guide the selection of methods. Performance reviews can include some or all aspects of programme implementation, vaccine coverage and vaccine effectiveness. Impact is monitored through cross-sectional measures of current (HBsAg) and past (anti-HBc) infection and surveillance for acute and chronic HBV-related disease. The sequelae of chronic HBV infection (cancer and cirrhosis) typically manifest in adulthood, and acute infection in young children is usually asymptomatic. To evaluate hepatitis B control, the most practical and timely approach is to monitor vaccination coverage (to assess service delivery) and current infection prevalence (to assess impact). Evaluation of hepatitis B control will require both.