Timing of hepatitis B vaccination: Its effect on vaccine response in health care workers

Abstract We assessed the effect of timing and other biological variables on immune response among health care workers (HCW) vaccinated with hepatitis B vaccine. A total of 2.058 HCW received three doses and were tested for anti-HBs within 6 months. 92.2% of the HCW had evidence of seroprotection. Multivariable analysis showed that controlling for age, the estimated non-response OR associated with a delayed second dose was 2.16 (95% CI: 1.46, 3.18, p = 0.004). We found a decreasing response rate with increasing age. Particular attention should be given to those HCW who are late for the second vaccine dose and to older subjects.