HEPATITIS "B" VACCINATION: APPLICATIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Authors

  • Saleem Afzal Khan
  • Sharif -uz- Zaman

Abstract

In this review article, we have discussed different vaccines, their safety and the high risk
groups which should be vaccinated. Two hepatitis "B" vaccines were licensed, the plasma derived
MB Vax (Merck Sharp and Dohme Ltd) in 1982 and the recombinant Engerix "B" (Smith-Klinc and
French Lab Ltd) in 1987.
HB vax, prepared in U.S. has been the most widely used and researched vaccine. There
has been over 15 years of experience with safety and over 12 years' clinical experience. Preparation
involves harvesting non-infectious sub-units from the plasma via plasmapheresis from selected
chronic HBsAg +ive, HBsAg + ive, healthy carriers, which are then inactivated by triple chemical
inactivation. This process inactivates all living organisms previously known to infect man, including
HIV agents. Each batch is subjected to 05 weeks of purification and safety-testing.
The second type of genetically engineered vaccine "Engerix B" is prepared from human
blood with whole virion particles harvested from serum of chronic carriers. There is no evidence
that the two types of vaccines differ significantly with respect to safety, side effects, immogenicity,
dosage regimen, the necessity for follow-up, or the interchangeability of booster doses following
initial vaccination. Choice of vaccine will ultimately depend on cost and availability.

References

Elizabeth Aim Foggan: Practical aspects of hepatitis "Bh vaccination. Gastroenterology

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Zuckermann AJ. Who should be immunized against hepatitis B. Nov, 1984.

Zuckermann AJ. Hepatitis B vaccine. PG Med Journal 1986.

Scanlon S, Khan SA. Hepatitis B in residential population with mental handicap I.M.J. June,

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How to Cite

Khan, S. A., & Zaman, S. .- uz-. (1989). HEPATITIS "B" VACCINATION: APPLICATIONS AND IMPLICATIONS. Journal of Ayub Medical College Abbottabad, 2(2’3), 51–54. Retrieved from https://www.jamc.ayubmed.edu.pk/jamc/index.php/jamc/article/view/4665

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