Asian-American Adolescent Immigrants: The New York City Schools Experience

Abstract

This article describes development and implementation of a school-based vaccination program that targeted Asian-American adolescents. The program was implemented by the Chinatown Health Clinic in New York City in two high schools and a junior high school in Lower Manhattan. The article examines strategies effective in vaccinating this varied group of adolescents. Rates of completion for the three-dose hepatitis B vaccine are compared between schools. Optional serology testing for hepatitis B infection was conducted as part of the school program and rates of infection in this population are presented. The article discusses the importance and effectiveness of school-based programs in providing essential health services to this group of adolescents.