Active immunization against hepatitis B for the staff of a department of cardiac surgery

All 58 subjects working at a department of cardiac surgery and intensive care unit were screened for HBsAg, anti-HBc and anti-HBs. Overall positivity for HBV markers was 24% and was found to increase with length of employment in the department. Of the 44 seronegative subjects, 33 consented to receive 5 μg hepatitis B vaccine (Hevac B Pasteur) at 0-time and 1 and 2 months later. At screening of 31 subjects one month after the third dose of the vaccine, 30 showed anti-HBs with a mean titre of 110 MIU/ml (range 60-127). Mild and self-limiting side effects were observed.