Duration of immunity after hepatitis B vaccination: efficacy of low-dose booster vaccine

Ann Intern Med. 1988 Feb;108(2):185-9. doi: 10.7326/0003-4819-108-2-185.

Abstract

Although the efficacy of hepatitis vaccine is well documented, the duration of immunity of healthy adults after vaccination is unknown. We studied 245 hospital employees 3 years after primary vaccination with hepatitis B vaccine to determine the prevalence of immunity indicated by levels of antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen of 10 mIU/mL or greater; and to compare the immunogenicity of low-dose intradermal vaccine with standard-dose intramuscular vaccine in persons found to be seronegative. Thirty-eight percent of employees studied had antibody levels less than 10 mIU/mL. Low levels were associated with smoking, older age, and higher body-mass index. Seventy-eight percent of persons with low antibody levels responded to a single booster vaccine. Two micrograms of intradermal vaccine was as effective as 20 micrograms of intramuscular vaccine in inducing an antibody response; however, intradermal vaccine was associated with more local reactions (42% compared with 17%). Many healthy adults will need periodic boosters of hepatitis B vaccine to maintain production of antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen; low-dose intradermal booster schedules may be feasible.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Hepatitis B Antibodies / analysis*
  • Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / immunology
  • Hepatitis B Vaccines
  • Humans
  • Immunization, Secondary*
  • Injections, Intradermal
  • Injections, Intramuscular
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Personnel, Hospital
  • Risk Factors
  • Viral Hepatitis Vaccines / administration & dosage
  • Viral Hepatitis Vaccines / immunology*

Substances

  • Hepatitis B Antibodies
  • Hepatitis B Surface Antigens
  • Hepatitis B Vaccines
  • Viral Hepatitis Vaccines