Affiliation:
1. Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust and Honorary Clinical Professor University of Exeter , Exeter , UK
2. Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust , Exeter , UK
Abstract
Abstract
Background
There are several courses with different dosing intervals for Hepatitis B vaccination. This independent study is looking at the antibody response after three doses of the accelerated course.
Aims
The primary aim of the study was to examine data available at an Occupational Health Service for the antibody response to one or if nonresponsive, two accelerated Hepatitis B courses. A secondary aim is to determine if there is a difference in response for different sex and age groups.
Methods
This is a retrospective anonymous and blinded study looking at the antibody response in 1032 healthcare personnel given the accelerated course of the Hepatitis B vaccine over a period of over 6 years. An anti-Hbs response 4 months after the start of the vaccination of >10 IU/ml was taken as indicative of a response.
Results
After one course, 93% of the healthcare personnel developed antibody levels thought to confer immunity. After two courses, nearly 99% of the healthcare personnel had developed an adequate immune response. The response was better in females and <40 years old, a difference that was statistically significant for those aged <40.
Conclusions
The accelerated course confers high levels of immunity after 4 months and this supports the current practice of offering the accelerated dose to UK healthcare personnel who can be at immediate and higher risk of infection. Though some groups are less responsive, all groups mount a good response so all those at risk should be encouraged to have this vaccination.
Publisher
Oxford University Press (OUP)
Subject
Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
Cited by
3 articles.
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