Hazardous incidents and immunity to hepatitis B

In the period March 1989 to October 1990, Leeds Public Health Laboratory received reports of 2975 needlestick and similar incidents involving National Health Service staff where there was a risk of transmission of hepatitis B virus. Despite an active immunisation programme in the hospitals where staff worked, 50% of those involved showed no evidence of immunity. In reviewing their immunisation programmes, health authorities should take account of those groups of staff who are at risk of exposure and ensure that all those included in the programme are encouraged to take up the offer of immunisation.