Evaluation of Antibody Response of Hepatitis B Vaccine Provided by the Chief Minister Program of Sindh Province

Genetically produced hepatitis B vaccines generally produce antibodies in over 95% subjects after the 3rd dose. This vaccine was procured in bulk, through the Chief Minister's Program and was stored at different sites under varied temperatures compromising its efficacy. To determine the anti HBs levels in general population after receiving all 3 doses. The study population comprised of healthy population who were divided into two groups. One group comprised of health care workers (HCW) of a tertiary care hospital and the second group was general population of a rural area of Sindh. Both groups were checked for HBsAg and antiHBs antibody titer at baseline. Those positive for HBsAg or antiHBs negative were excluded. Hepatitis B vaccination received through the Chief Minister's Program was given as 20ug intramuscular at 0,1 and 6 months, and antibody levels were checked after 1st, 2nd and 3rd dose of vaccine. According to WHO the vaccine should produce protective antibodies in > 95% subjects. A total of 378 subjects were recruited, which included 180 unvaccinated HCWs and 198 general population. Out of these, 204 subjects (146 HCWs and 56 general population) completed all 3 doses and gave blood for testing. Antibodies to hepatitis B were found in 169 (82.8%) subjects after the 3rd dose of vaccine, while 35 (17.2%) cases did not develop antiHBs. Protective antibody titer developed in 129 (88%) HCWs and 40 (69%) community members. The vaccine efficacy in producing protective antibodies was 82.8%, which is below the WHO recommendations.