National advisory committee on immunization (NACI). Statement on hepatitis B vaccine

Abstract

The following recommendations on hepatitis B vaccine from NACI will appear in the 4th edition of the Canadian Immunization Guide scheduled for publication in autumn 1993. They contain updated information on the epidemiology of hepatitis B in Canada and response to hepatitis B vaccine. In addition to vaccinating targeted high-risk populations, routine childhood immunization is now recommended although details on the preferred target age group and schedule are not yet finalized. There are some changes to the sections on pre-exposure immunization, post-exposure management, routine boosters (no longer needed), and post-vaccination serology. Finally, the statement incorporates the new vaccine dosages for infants and children for Merck Sharp and Dohme's Recombivax HB, approved January 1992, and SmithKline Beecham's Engerix-B, approved September 1992.