Tolerability of a recombinant DNA hepatitis B vaccine--results of post-marketing surveillance.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is the most important cause of hepatitis both in children and adults. Hepatitis B virus is distributed alt over the world with a much marked infection level (5 20%) in Asia specially South East Asia, Person to person HBV transmission occurs through contact of slightly damaged skin or mucosa, infected body fluids like blood, semen and saliva. Direct transmission of the disease occurs from HBV carrier mother to their newborn children. Prevention of Hepatitis B by active immunization was achieved about 10 years ago with the advent of plasma-derived vaccines initially, and subsequently by recombinant DNA hepatitis B vaccines. A full immunization course in immunocompelent vaccines can probably elicit protection for 10 years or more1. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommended in 1992 that all countries should introduce universal Hepatitis B vaccination in their immunization schedules by December 1997 and over 80 countries, many of them in Western Europe, have complied with this recommendation. A universal adolescent Hepatitis B vaccination program would result in the most immediate health benefits and speedy eradication of hepatitis B since man is the only natural reservoir of HBV.