Researchers concerned about hepatitis B

Press, 5 September 1989, Page 33

Researchers concerned about hepatitis B

PA Wellington In spite of a 92 per cent efficiency rate of immunisation in children receiving three doses of hepatitis B vaccine, researchers are concerned at-risk groups of children are not receiving protection. A group headed by Mr Sandy Milne of the Hepatitis Research Unit at Whakatane Hospital reported on a survey of four-year-old children vaccinated against hepatitis B in the latest issue of the “New Zealand Medical Journal.” The five-year-old national programme was

highly successful, with none of the 39 centres reporting less than 92 per cent immunisation. Nineteen centres reported 100 per cent immunisation. Mr Milne said the hepatitis B vaccination programme was probably one of the best programmes run. “My only concern is that children at risk didn’t get vaccinated,” Mr Milne said. “Maori and Pacific Island children are 10 to 15 times more likely to get hepatitis B than European children. Many of the high-risk target popu-

lation didn’t get any doses,” he said. As part of its work with the Health Department in delivering the vaccine to all children, the Hepatitis Research Unit is arranging a hui in Rotorua in three weeks time to encourage Maori parents to get their children protected. Only one fifth of the vaccine dose recommended by the manufacturer was used in the immunisation programme. Mr Milne said this was because of the cost of the full dose.