Canada Communicable Disease Report
Vol. 26 (ACS-5)
1 July 2000

An Advisory Committee Statement (ACS)
National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI)* +

STATEMENT ON ALTERNATE ADOLESCENT SCHEDULE FOR HEPATITIS B VACCINE (ACS-5)

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PREAMBLE

The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) provides Health Canada with ongoing and timely medical, scientific, and public-health advice relating to immunization. Health Canada acknowledges that the advice and recommendations set out in this statement are based upon the best current available scientific knowledge, and is disseminating this document for information purposes. Persons administering or using the vaccine(s) should also be aware of the contents of the relevant product monograph(s). Recommendations for use and other information set out herein may differ from that set out in the product monograph(s) of the Canadian licensed manufacturer(s) of the vaccine(s). The manufacturer(s) has only sought approval of the vaccine(s) and provided evidence as to its safety and efficacy when used in accordance with the product monograph(s).

Merck Frosst has recently received Notice of Compliance for a revised schedule for Recombivax HB^TM for adolescents aged 11 to 15. The immunogenicity of a two-dose schedule as outlined below was similar to the current three-dose schedule using 5µg HBsAg. This revised schedule will have the advantage of conferring good protection against HBV infection to this age group, while potentially eliminating the need for one school clinic per year with the consequent savings and convenience for those providing this immunization.

The revised schedule for adolescents aged 11 to 15 is as follows:

• 10 µg (1.0 mL adult formulation) at t = 0
• 10 µg (1.0 mL adult formulation) at t = 4 to 6 months

Duration of protection is assumed to be similar as well.

This revised schedule will be of interest to those providing universal adolescent vaccine programs, especially in the school setting.

*  Members: Dr. V. Marchessault (Chairperson), Dr. J. Spika (Executive Secretary), N. Armstrong (Administrative Secretary), Dr. I. Bowmer, Dr. G. De Serres, Dr. P. DeWals, Dr. S. Dobson, Dr. J. Embree, Dr. I. Gemmill, Dr. M. Naus, Dr. P. Orr, Dr. B. Ward, A. Zierler.

Liaison Representatives: Dr. J. Carsley (CPHA), Dr. G. Delage (CPS), Dr. M. Douville-Fradet (ACE), Dr. T. Freeman (CFPC), Dr. J. Livengood (CDC), Dr. A.E. McCarthy (ND), Dr. J. Salzman (CATMAT), Dr. L. Samson (CIDS), Dr. J. Waters (CCMOH).

Ex-Officio Representatives: Dr. J. Calver (BBR), Dr. A. King (LCDC), Dr. P. Riben (MSB).

*  This statement was prepared by Dr. I. Gemmill and approved by NACI.

[Canada Communicable Disease Report]