Evaluation of a prison‐based hepatitis B immunisation pilot project

Abstract

This paper describes the evaluation findings of a hepatitis B immunisation pilot project, which aimed to increase the uptake and compliance of hepatitis B vaccinations among female prisoners in Victoria. The evaluation used a mixed methods approach including in-depth interviews, focus group discussions and an analysis of quantitative data. Fifty-five per cent of potential participants (391/712) were offered hepatitis B immunisation. Of those offered immunisation, 204 were eligible for immunisation and 169 (83%) received the first dose. Ninety-three per cent of eligible women received two doses and 84% completed the three-dose series. Lessons learnt from the pilot led to the revision of key prison hepatitis B immunisation policies and practices to ensure uniformity across Victorian prisons.