Immunogenicity of a heat-treated recombinant DNA hepatitis B vaccine

The effect of heating on the reactogenicity and the immunogenicity of a recombinant DNA hepatitis B vaccine was examined. Treatment of this vaccine for one week at 37 degrees C did not significantly alter these properties when compared to vaccine stored at 4 degrees C. These results have important implications in countries where facilities for the transport and handling of vaccines are often inadequate.