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Table 5: Significant events in hepatitis B immunisation practice in Australia |
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|
Year |
Month |
Intervention |
|
1973 |
|
CSL* began manufacturing hepatitis B immunoglobulin |
|
1982 |
|
Serum derived hepatitis B vaccine (HBVax) approved, 3 doses recommended for adult at risk groups |
|
1985 |
|
Vaccine approved for use in neonates—3 doses recommended for babies born to HBsAg positive mothers |
|
1987-1988 |
|
Recombinant hepatitis B vaccines approved (Engerix B and HBVax II)—3 doses recommended for at risk groups |
|
~1987 |
|
Vaccination recommended for infants and young children in ethnic groups with a high hepatitis B carriage rate. (Note: this recommendation was implemented at different times in each jurisdiction) |
|
1990 |
|
The Northern Territory introduced free universal neonatal vaccination for infants (3 doses) |
|
1997 |
|
Vaccination recommended for adolescents aged 10-16 years |
|
1997 |
|
Interim recommendation for universal vaccination of infants at birth |
|
1998 |
|
School based programs commenced for 10-16 year olds in Victoria |
|
A ‘catch-up’ campaign was conducted in the Northern Territory for children aged 6-16 years |
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|
1999 |
Feb |
South Australia commenced year 8 immunisation program provided by councils |
|
May |
Combined DTPa-hepB vaccine approved |
|
|
2000 |
Feb |
Combined PRP-OMP-hepB vaccine approved |
|
Thiomersal free paediatric hepatitis B vaccine approved |
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|
May |
DTPa-hepB vaccine included on childhood schedule (used in Qld, NSW, ACT, SA, and NT) |
|
|
PRP-OMP-hepB vaccine included on childhood schedule (used in Tas, Vic, WA) |
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|
Universal infant vaccination included on childhood schedule with doses at birth (Thiomersal free paediatric hepatitis B vaccine), and three doses as part of a combination vaccine schedule |
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|
Booster doses no longer recommend by NHMRC= |
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Pre-adolescent vaccination recommended at age 10-13 years instead of 10-16 years |
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*CSL: Commonwealth Serum Laboratories = NHMRC: National Health and Medical Research Council |
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