How to reach high behavioral riskgroups for HBV-vaccination: combining offline and online strategies

Abstract

Abstract Issue Since 2002, the Netherlands started a hepatitis B-vaccination program targeted at high behavioral risk groups in absence of a universal vaccination policy (implemented from 2011 onwards). The Public Health Services (PHS) offer free HBV-vaccination to sexworkers (SW) and men who have sex with men (MSM). In order to increase vaccination coverage and adherence a combination of offline and online strategies was used. Description In 2002 the HBV-program started to reach risk groups by offline outreach activities like visiting sauna’s, brothels, festivals etc. In addition targeted campaigns were developed: posters and incentives were used at outreach locations. Gradually, reaching the riskgroups at location became less effective and more costly, therefore online outreach became more important: targeted campaigns are conducted via social media, online dating platforms and commercial sex websites. These campaigns refer to websites with sexual health information, tailored advice and an online module to schedule vaccination appointments. Results In 16 years’ time, the program reached over 62,000 MSM and 23,000 SW with a combination of offline and online strategies. Nowadays, PHS nurses organize each year around 70-80 regional (online and offline) outreach actions for MSM and around 30-35 for SW. in 2017-2018 9-13% of the first vaccinations among MSM and SW was facilitated by the online appointment module. In addition, each year PHS are motivated to develop innovative plans in order to increase vaccination coverage such as informative meetings for MSM migrants with a festive touch, and in-depth research in how to reach male and female SW at home. Lessons Combining targeted online and offline strategies in order to reach the risk groups for vaccination has been successful over the past 16 years. Each year about 4,000 MSM and 1,000 SW receive their first HBV-vaccination thanks to constant commitment and creativity of enthusiastic health professionals for new approaches. Key messages Combining targeted online and offline strategies in order to reach the risk groups for vaccination has been successful. Encouraging innovative plans is succesful in reaching high behavioral risk groups for vaccinations.