revised immunisation schedule for Bermuda, effective today.

The new schedule is a result of recommendations for change in the routine immunisation of infants and children made by the Bermuda Advisory Committee on Immunisation Practices, Government Information Services reported.

The committee has recommended all healthy infants be vaccinated against the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and recommends prenatal screening for all pregnant women.

Hepatitis B is a viral infection of the liver. Untreated it can lead to chronic infection and cause serious health problems such as cirrhosis (scarring) or cancer of the liver. It can be spread through sexual intercourse or the sharing of needles or other personal items.

The virus can also be spread from mother to fetus, with the infant not manifesting symptoms until later in life.

Immunisation should effectively eliminate perinatal transmission of HBV and ultimately reduce the incidence of HBV and associated liver disease on the Island.

Hepatitis B vaccine is administered in a three-dose series. The first dose is recommended before the infant has reached two months of age, and is preferrably given at birth prior to discharge from hospital.

The second dose is recommended between one and two months later, and the third to be administered at least four months after the second.

The vaccine is produced by recombinant DNA technology and is seen as the safest, most effective means of preventing the Hepatitis B virus and its consequences.

Side effects are rare and usually mild. Some children will suffer a little soreness, swelling, or redness where the shot was given. Some children may experience fussiness or low-grade fever symptoms.

The Immunisation Committee has also recommended the introduction of an a-cellular pertussis vaccine (DtaP) in place of the Diptheria, Tetanus and Pertussis (DTP) vaccine. The newer vaccine is considered less likely to cause the mild to moderate problems sometimes seen with DTP.

Parents who have questions about the new immunisation schedule should consult their family physician, the child's pediatrician, or visit the Hamilton Health Centre at the Department of Health, Victoria Street, Hamilton, (phone 236-0224, ext. 240).