Combined COVID-19 vaccination and hepatitis C virus screening intervention in marginalised populations in Spain.

ABSTRACT:

Background

COVID-19 has hindered hepatitis C virus (HCV) and HIV screening, particularly in marginalised groups, who have some of the highest rates of these conditions and lowest rates of COVID-19 vaccination. We assessed the acceptability of combining HCV testing with COVID-19 vaccination in a centre for addiction services (CAS) in Barcelona and a mobile testing unit (MTU) in Madrid, Spain.

Methods

From 28/09/2021 to 30/06/2022, 187 adults from marginalised populations were offered HCV antibody (Ab) testing along with COVID-19 vaccination. If HCV Ab+, they were tested for HCV-RNA. MTU participants were also screened for HIV. HCV-RNA+ and HIV+ participants were offered treatment. Data were analysed descriptively.

Results

Findings show how of the 86 CAS participants: 8

SUBMITTER: Lazarus JV 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10180614 | biostudies-literature | 2023 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature