Hepatitis B Vaccination Status and Seroprevalence Among Children Aged 1 to 10 Years in Akwa Ibom State, South South Nigeria

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection represents a significant paediatric public health challenge in Nigeria, with mother-to-child transmission being a primary route of acquisition. This cross-sectional study examines hepatitis B vaccination status and seroprevalence of HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) among children aged 1 to 10 years in Uyo and Ikot Ekpene local government areas of Akwa Ibom State, South South Nigeria. A total of 280 children were recruited from paediatric outpatient clinics. Vaccination status was verified using child health cards, and rapid HBsAg testing was performed on venous blood samples. Findings revealed that 71.4% of children had received three or more doses of hepatitis B vaccine as part of the routine immunisation schedule. Birth dose vaccination coverage was only 34.3%. HBsAg seroprevalence was 9.6%, higher among unvaccinated children (21.4%) compared to fully vaccinated children (4.8%), affirming vaccine efficacy. Children born at home had significantly lower birth dose coverage and higher HBsAg prevalence. Maternal HBV status was unknown in 67.1% of cases, limiting targeted prevention. The study highlights gaps in birth dose hepatitis B vaccine coverage and the importance of universal screening of pregnant women for HBV infection. Recommendations include strengthening hepatitis B birth dose delivery, integrating HBV screening into antenatal care, and ensuring community outreach for home-delivered neonates. Keywords: hepatitis B, vaccination, seroprevalence, Akwa Ibom State, South South Nigeria.