HISTORY OF HEPATITIS-B VACCINATION IN NEW-ZEALAND - LESSONS FOR AUSTRALIA

Recognition of the high prevalence of and the problems caused by the h epatitis B virus (HBV) infection in the North Island of New Zealand is largely due to the observations and work of one man, Alexander Milne. This article outlines the history of the events that led up to the cu lmination of his team's work-a national hepatitis vaccination strategy for New Zealand children. The situation in Australia is reassessed in the light of the New Zealand example with data based on benefit-cost analysis of various vaccination strategies.