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Journal of Viral Hepatitis
Volume 10 Issue 1 Page 23 - January 2003
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three-dose regimen of plasma-derived vaccine administered at a conventional
(0, 1, 6 months), delayed (2, 3, 8 months) or accelerated (0, 1, 2 months)
schedule. The vaccinees were followed up to determine their anti-HBs status
over a 16-year period. Upon completion of the vaccination schedules, 92.6%
developed antibody against surface antigen (anti-HBs) seroconverion, the
rate of which fell to 33.3% at year 16. The three schedules were equally
effective in preventing chronic infection, with a protective efficacy of
88.9% from hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) carriage, compared with
historical control. Vaccinees on the delayed schedule had a slightly higher
seroconversion rate over years, and were better able to maintain an anti-HBs
level of
100 iu/L.
Overall, a quarter demonstrated evidence of exposure to the virus, being
positive for antibody against core antigen or HBsAg, or mounting a rise in
anti-HBs during the follow-up period. We conclude that a three-dose
hepatitis B vaccination regimen is generally effective in protecting
newborns of hepatitis B carrier mothers from infection and chronic carriage.
Booster is not needed even after 16 years of monitoring.
