Vaccination against viral hepatitis B (VHB) is the most important preventive measure that reduces the frequency of hepatitis B (HBV) infection in the population. VHB vaccines, initially plasma, later recombinant, have been available since the 1980s, the administration of immunoglobulin against VHB has always been a complementary method. Vaccination of HBsAg (s antigen HBV) positive mothers, together with the vaccination of all infants in the endemic region of Southeast Asia, in the 1990s, dramatically reduced the incidence of VHB in a vaccinated population. Based on these results, the World Health Organization recommended that all countries start regular vaccination of children by 1997, optimally within 24 hours after birth. Gradually, the vaccination of newborns, infants, or larger children began to be introduced in developed countries, which initially preferred vaccination of risk groups, especially health professionals, newborns of HBsAg-positive mothers, and patients with renal failure.

Department of Infectious Diseases University Hospital Ostrava Czech Republic e mail