Immunisation of armed service medical personnel against hepatitis B infection.

ABSTRACT

Clinical and laboratory staff of the Army and RAF medical services at risk of acquiring infection with hepatitis B were immunised against the virus with a recombinant vaccine. Vaccine was administered in Service hospitals and medical centres located throughout the world. After a primary course of vaccine, 73% of personnel developed anti-HBs titres > or = 100 IU/L to hepatitis B surface antigen and were considered protected; 11% were non-responders (anti-HBs < 10 IU/l). A significantly higher proportion of females than males, and vaccinees under 40 years of age, produced a good response. Among those achieving a good response, antibody titres were higher in the younger age group and in females. After a fourth (booster) dose of vaccine, 87.2% of the poor responders and 37% non-responders, developed anti-HBs titres > or = 100 IU/L.