Antibody response to an accelerated course of Hepatitis B vaccination

BACKGROUNDThere 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. AIMSThe 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. METHODSThis 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. RESULTSAfter 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