5.4.2 HEPATITIS B IMMUNOGLOBULIN-VF | New Zealand Blood Service
Transfusion medicine

Transfusion medicine handbook

The Transfusion Medicine Handbook is designed to assist hospital staff and other health professionals in modern Transfusion Medicine Practice.

5. Fractionated Products

5.4.2 HEPATITIS B IMMUNOGLOBULIN-VF

Hepatitis B Immunoglobulin-VF is a sterile, preservative-free solution containing not less than 100 IU/mL neutralising hepatitis B antibodies. Donations used in the preparation of Hepatitis B Immunoglobulin-VF are selected on the basis that they contain high levels of specific antibodies against HBsAg. Hepatitis B Immunoglobulin-VF is provided as 400 IU vials, intended for intramuscular injection.

Indications for Use

Hepatitis B Immunoglobulin-VF is indicated for [5]:

  • Post-exposure prophylaxis in persons who did not receive prior vaccination or whose vaccination regimen is incomplete, or when the hepatitis B antibody level is inadequate (< 10 IU/L)
  • Post-exposure prophylaxis should be considered following percutaneous or permucosal exposure to the hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive or suspected HBsAg-positive material, for example, by needle stick, oral ingestion or sexual exposure.
  • Infants born to HBsAg-positive mothers, either chronic carriers or those who contract hepatitis B during pregnancy
  • Patients with hepatitis B undergoing a liver transplant, to protect the transplanted liver

Dosage and Administration

For maximum protective effect, Hepatitis B Immunoglobulin-VF should be given within 72 hours of exposure. Efficacy is greatly reduced if it is given after a longer interval.

Table 5.15: Prophylaxis with Hepatitis B Immunoglobulin-VF in Adults Following Percutaneous or Permucosal Exposure to HBsAg-positive or Suspected HBsAg-positive Material [5]

Active immunisation with hepatitis B vaccine should always be commenced in conjunction with administration of Hepatitis B Immunoglobulin-VF in patients exposed to hepatitis B virus. Vaccination should be initiated simultaneously with the passive immunoglobulin but administered at a different site.

Prophylaxis in Infants Born to HBsAg-positive Mothers

Where HyperHEP B is unavailable, give 100 IU Hepatitis B Immunoglobulin-VF to the infant at birth and initiate simultaneously a hepatitis B vaccination regime administered at a different site.

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