Grosheide PM ,
Bosman A ,
Hattum J van ,
Lumey LH ,
Loon AM van
78 p
in Dutch
1991
Toon Nederlands
English Abstract To determine the incidence of hepatitis B and possible
trends since the introduction of the hepatitis B vaccine in the Netherlands,
serologic and epidemiologic data pertaining to risk factors of disease
acquisition were obtained. Recent studies from the United States showed
that the current strategy for prevention of hepatitis B, which targets
high-risk groups immunization, has failed to have a significant impact on
the incidence of disease. This finding made reconsideration of the similar
strategy for prevention of hepatitis B in the Netherlands necessary. Since
the major means by which the status of infectious diseases are monitored in
the Netherlands are limited the need for a more active surveillance system
in order to accurately reflect the success of prevention, is
stressed.