Efficacy of HBIG and Hepatitis B Vaccine for the Prevention of HBV Transmission

The efficacy of HBIG and HB vaccine is summarized for the prophylaxis of HBV infection. Cases were divided into a “vertical” group of 130 neonates, consisting of 90 infants who received HBIG twice and then Hb vaccine from the second month after birth and HB vaccine beginning on the 5th day after birth (vertical II), and a “horizontal” group consisting of 108 infant who were given HB vaccine three times. In each case, excellent results were obtained and no adverse reaction was noted; however the number of cases who were not immunized was significantly higher and the member of chronic HBs-Ag carriers was higher in the vertical II group. the continuity of the immune state was fairly good for at least three years in the vertical I and horizontal groups. We think that in the case of the vertical group, the course of HB vaccine should be started in the second month after birth with the second inoculation of HBIG.