[Experiences with vaccination against hepatitis B].

In a field study conducted with the Hepatitis B vaccine HB-Vax 375 persons were vaccinated and the sera were assayed for the formation of HBs antibodies 1 to 3 months after completing the three-dose schedule. Seroconversion was demonstrated in 94.7% of the subjects. Immune response was poorer after 40 years of age as compared with younger age groups. The vaccine was very well tolerated and induced hardly any side effects. 49 persons who had received 3 of the 4 doses suggested for vaccination with Hevac B responded in 86% of cases with the formation of antibodies. Patients undergoing dialysis developed antibodies in 48% of cases after the third dose and in 77% after the fourth dose, the seroconversion rate thus being considerably lower than in healthy persons.