The indications and safety of polyvalent immunoglobulin for post-exposure prophylaxis of hepatitis A, rubella and measles

ABSTRACT

Derived from pooled blood donations, polyvalent immunoglobulins are used for post-exposure prophylaxis as one aspect of the public health management of hepatitis A, rubella and measles. This review summarizes the safety profile of these blood products and the current recommendations for their use for the prevention of hepatitis A, rubella and measles among people who have been exposed to these diseases. The current recommendations are drawn from the most recent publicly available national guidelines of the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the United Kingdom as accessed in February 2019.

KEYWORDS:

• Passive immunization
• post-exposure prophylaxis
• hepatitis A
• measles
• rubella
• polyvalent immunoglobulin

Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest

Megan is a PhD student whose thesis topic is on the effectiveness and efficiency of passive immunization. She is also a public health physician working in the area of communicable disease control. She has no financial conflicts of interest. This manuscript was not grant funded.