[Vaccination against hepatitis B at the Palma-Palmilla Health Center of Málaga].

AIM: To describe the results of a programme of anti-hepatitis B vaccination of high-risk groups. DESIGN: Observational descriptive study, of a retrospective character. SITE. At a community level within the confines of Primary Care in the Palma-Palmilla (Malaga) Health Centre, between June 1989 and March 1990. PATIENTS AND OTHER PARTICIPANTS: Individuals with a high risk of Hepatitis B infection, according to a modified CDC (Centre for Diseases Control) scale. The subjects were found during their attendance as patients and from among the Health Centre staff. INTERVENTIONS: The second generation vaccine developed by genetic engineering (Engerix B) was used. It was administered by intramuscular injection in a dosage of 20 mcg to those weighing more than 25 kilos; and of 10 mcg to those weighing less than 25 kilos. The vaccination pattern was of three doses in months 0, 1 and 6, followed by a monthly sero-conversion check. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN FINDINGS: 169 individuals began the vaccination programme: 17.7% were health workers and 81.6% lived with carriers of the virus. 87.6% completed the vaccination programme. Sero-conversion in the individuals controlled was 95.5%. Only five patients were sero-negative after the third vaccination. Of these four cases achieved sero-conversion after a fourth or fifth dosage. CONCLUSIONS: We found there was a high rate of sero-conversion; and also high acceptance of the programme by those living with a carrier.