Intradermal vaccination against hepatitis B in Immanuel Hospital personnel--a preliminary report.

Intradermal vaccination of HB-VAX vaccine (Merck Sharp & Dohme) was administered to hospital personnel to immunise them against Hepatitis-B infection. The intradermal route was chosen to reduce vaccination cost. Seronegative personnel (141) were given a series of three intradermal injections of 0.1 ml-2.0 micrograms HB-VAX (Merck Sharp & Dohme) after the initial injection. The second was given one month later, and the third six months later. Blood samples drawn one month after the third vaccination were tested for levels of antibody to Hepatitis-B Surface antigen (Anti-HBs) by Enzyme Immuno Assay. Seroconversion (greater than 10 IU/L) was detected in 127 individuals (90.1%), which was similar to other intradermal vaccinations (83.3-100%) or other intramuscular studies (89-100%). The Geometric Mean Titre (GMT) was 426 IU/L, which was significantly lower than intramuscular vaccinations (11 138-14 532 IU/L). The percentage of seroconversion in women was significantly higher than that in men. Side effects of the vaccine were minor and limited to local reactions at the site of administration. Intradermal vaccination using 2 micrograms HB-VAX offers a means of reducing vaccination cost by 32%, 63% and 79% respectively when compared with 3 doses of 5 micrograms, 10 micrograms and 20 micrograms given intramuscularly. This study provides preliminary data that suggests three 2.0 micrograms intradermal doses of vaccine may effectively immunise healthy individuals against Hepatitis-B.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)