Hepatitis B immunizations
offered free to fourth-
and fifth-graders

By Helen Altonn
Star-Bulletin

The immunizations are free to fourth- and fifth-graders and they protect against hepatitis B, a dangerous and often fatal disease.

So why aren't parents taking advantage of them?

"I think they don't realize how prevalent the disease is," said Janice Huggler of Kahu Malama Nurses, an agency which administers the state Health Department's hepatitis B immunization program in schools statewide.

"This year is particularly difficult," Huggler said. "This is my third year on the project and we seem to have hit a wall here."

The school program previously covered only fifth-graders. With fourth-graders included this year, Huggler said, "we expected higher numbers, and the numbers are lower than they were with one grade last year.

"We don't know what they (reasons) are, but parents have not responded."

They may not realize that Hawaii's chronic hepatitis B rate is six times the national average, she said.

The virus is transmitted through blood and body fluids and may be spread among adolescents through sports or games, where cuts and other injuries occur. Sexually active teens also are at risk.

Lin Watson, manager of the Hawaii Immunization Program in the Health Department, said the hepatitis B project is a great opportunity for children to get shots without parents having to take time off from work.

"This is a very preventable disease," Watson said.

A series of three shots is needed, normally costing about $100 per shot, Huggler said.

However, the vaccinations are being offered free as part of a grant from the Queen's Health System, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and state Health Department.

Free vaccines also are being provided to physicians and clinics for youths ages 6 to 18.

Huggler said a grant has been requested to add second and third graders to the school program.

All babies are immunized for the infection at birth but that didn't start until 1991, Huggler said.

"We're trying to cover all kids who haven't received hepatitis B as a regular pediatric immunization," she said.

Parents whose children aren't vaccinated are urged to call 945-7738 for information and consent forms.

The three shots are given over six months: the second is given a month after the first and the third is four months later.

The shots may cause soreness or moderate fever, but serious allergic reaction is rare, said Kahu Malama nurses.

The disease, however, can cause nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, fatigue, abdominal pain and jaundice, and can lead to chronic liver disease.