Immunisation against hepatitis B in man.

An inactivated vaccine against hepatitis B was prepared from blood-donor HBs antigen purified on immunoadsorbents. Its safety and efficacy were tested in chimpanzees. Vaccination was then applied in an attempt to protect patients and staff in a haemodialysis unit. The efficacy of the vaccine in man was assessed by observing humoral and cellular immune reactions and by comparing changes in HBs antigenaemia in vaccinated and non-vaccinated subjects. The results indicate that this vaccine protects against hepatitis B in the circumstances in which it was administered.