The researchers studied the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) immunization and infection among men ages 23 to 29 who have sex with men by analyzing data on 2,834 such men in six US metropolitan areas. Participating men were interviewed and tested for serologic markers of HBV immunization and infection from 1998 to 2000.

The prevalence of immunization was 17.2 percent. Immunization prevalence was 21 percent among participants who had private physicians or who were members of health maintenance organizations. Among those with no source of health care, immunization prevalence was 12.6 percent. Markers of HBV infection were found in 20.6 percent of participants overall, ranging from 13.7 percent among the youngest men to 31.0 percent among the oldest. Among participants susceptible to HBV, 93.5 percent had regular sources of health care, had been tested for HIV, or had been treated for an STD.

"Although many young men who have sex with men have access to health care, most are not immunized against HBV," the authors concluded. "To reduce morbidity from HBV in this population, providers of health care, including [STD] and HIV prevention services, should provide vaccinations or referrals for vaccination."

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