We started providing hepatitis B vaccine at the only female prison in the state in January 1999. The vaccine is available for any prisoner 19 years old and younger. We do not screen before or after vaccination.

In June 2000, we began offering vaccine (hepatitis B) at a second prison which houses 15-20 year olds. Again the vaccine we offer is available for those <19 years of age, due to limited funding.

The main problem we have experienced is with the staff turnover at these two prisons and with the initial reluctance of the Department of Corrections to sign off on the initiative. We have also begun offering the hepatitis B and hepatitis A vaccines for individuals at STD and family planning clinics for those < 25 years of age. The numbers are much smaller at these sites.