Acute non‐B hepatitis in the Israel defence forces: Comparison of some epidemiologic features before and after the usage of preexposure immune serum globulin prophylaxis

Large‐scale epidemics of non‐B (HBsAg‐negative) hepatitis have occurred in the Israel Defense Forces prior to post‐ and preexposure immune serum globulin administration. Presently, hepatitis morbidity rates have stabilized around 1 to 2 per 1,000. Several years after vaccine initiation, a comparison of epidemiological features was made in order to redefine risk groups. Seasonal morbidity, sex, ethnic origin and educational status (as a representative of socioeconomic level) were not different after the preexposure immunization compared to the preimmunization era. Therefore, a more selective immunization is proposed.