State Epidemiologist Paul Effler, M.D., said these projects are important steps in reducing hepatitis B rates and the serious illnesses that can develop from chronic hepatitis B infection. Hepatitis B is one of the state's top public health priorities. Hawai'i has an incidence of chronic hepatitis B that is six times the national average. There are many ways hepatitis B can be transmitted among teens. Sports are a favorite activity of teens, both during school and the summer.
Close contact is common in certain sports or games, and minor cuts and scrapes often happen.
Teens sometimes share earrings, razors or toothbrushes. Some teens are starting to become sexually active. Each of these activities has the potential of transmitting the hepatitis B virus from an infected person to a healthy teen. Beginning in 1996, the Department of Health has taken a multi-pronged attack against hepatitis B. Vaccinations have been offered at free clinics on all islands. All physicians and other immunization providers have been provided free hepatitis B vaccine for their patients ages 6 through 18 years of age.