Assessment of Timely Uptake of Hepatitis B Birth Dose Vaccine in a Secondary Health Facility in Delta State, Nigeria

Background: Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a significant global health concern, with an estimated 254 million individuals affected worldwide. Nigeria has one of the highest burdens of hepatitis B virus infections globally and the highest burden among children under five years of age. With a population of 6.8 million, the prevalence of hepatitis B in Delta state is 8%. To reach theelimination goals for viral hepatitis, it is crucial to improve timely hepatitis B birth dose (HepB-BD) coverage by expanding access to HepB-BD. Objectives: To determine the percentage of timely HepB-BD vaccine uptake as well as the extent of HepB-BD deferment amongst newborns delivered in a secondary health facility. Materials and Methods: This study was a retrospective, non-invasive cohort assessment which deployed a convenience sampling technique to inspect child health cards of all infants brought to the antenatal clinic of Central Hospital Agbor, a secondary health facility in Delta State, Nigeria, for their routine vaccinations within a 4-week period in January 2024. Results: 209 infants 43% male, 57% female, were assessed for HepB-BD. Only 12 infants received( ) the HepB-BD within the first 24 hours of life, while 197 received theirs after 24 hours. Timely HepB- BD uptake was found to be 5.7% within this health facility. Delays in the uptake of HepB-BD vaccine varied from 1 day (minimum) to up to 43 days (maximum) amidst absence of a clear HepB-BD policy in the facility. All 12 infants who received the timely HepB-BD vaccine were either born late on a Wednesday, or on a Thursday as matched on the calendar. A total of 15 infants out of 197 who received the HepB-BD vaccine, post-24 hours, were also observed to be born on a Thursday, but after 4pm. Conclusion: Timely and deferred HepB-BD uptake in Central Hospital Agbor, Delta State were found to be 5.7% and 94.3% respectively. Effort is needed to further address barriers to HepB-BD timely coverage to prevent transmission from mother to child.