Engerix-B Indications/Uses

Engerix-B is indicated for active immunisation against HBV infection caused by all known subtypes in subjects of all ages considered at risk of exposure to HBV. It can be expected that hepatitis D will also be prevented by immunisation with Engerix-B as hepatitis D (caused by the delta agent) does not occur in the absence of hepatitis B infection.
Immunisation against hepatitis B is expected in the long term to reduce not only the incidence of this disease, but also its chronic complications such as chronic active hepatitis B and hepatitis B associated cirrhosis.
In areas of low prevalence of hepatitis B, immunisation is particularly recommended for those belonging to groups identified at increased risk of infection (see as follows), however, universal immunisation of all infants and adolescents will contribute to the control of hepatitis B on a population basis.
In areas of intermediate and high prevalence of hepatitis B, with most of the population at risk of acquiring the HBV, the best strategy is to provide universal immunisation of neonates, infants, children and adolescents, as well as adults belonging to groups at increased risk of infection.
The WHO, the US Immunisation Practices Advisory Committee (ACIP) and the American Academy of Paediatrics advocate that the vaccination of new-borns and/or the vaccination of adolescents is the optimal strategy for the control of hepatitis B in all countries.
Groups identified at increased risk of infection: Health Care Personnel.
Patients frequently receiving blood products.
Personnel and residents of institutions.
Persons at increased risk due to their sexual behaviour.
Illicit users of addictive injectable drugs.
Travellers to areas with a high endemicity of HBV.
Infants born of mothers who are HBV carriers.
Persons originating from areas with a high endemicity of HBV.
Patients with sickle-cell anaemia.
Patients who are candidates for organ transplantation.
Household contacts of any of the previously mentioned groups and of patients with acute or chronic HBV infection.
Subjects with chronic liver disease (CLD) or at risk of developing CLD (e.g. Hepatitis C virus carriers, persons who abuse alcohol).
Others: Police personnel, fire brigade personnel, armed forces personnel and anybody who through their work or personal lifestyle may be exposed to HBV.