Long term immune response of universal hepatitis B vaccination in infancy: A community-based study in Taiwan
Journal
Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal
Journal Volume
18
Journal Issue
5
Pages
427-432
Date Issued
1999
Author(s)
Abstract
Objectives. To evaluate the long term immunity provided by a universal hepatitis B vaccination program in infancy and the booster effect on school age children who had no protective antibody titers to hepatitis B surface antigen. Methods. We conducted a community-based seroepidemiologic study of 1337 healthy 7-year-old children in Taiwan one decade after the implementation of a mass hepatitis B vaccination program. A booster vaccination was suggested for noncarrier children who did not have protective titers of surface antibody. Serologic responses and infection rates were compared with those of the nonboostered children. In a nonselected group of 39 volunteer noncarrier vaccinees, quantitative serologic response was determined before, 1 month after a booster vaccination and 1 year later. Results. A total of 572 children (42.8%) had low concentrations of surface antibody, and 9 were hepatitis B surface antigen carriers (0.7%). Eighty-two percent of 'nonprotected' vaccinees showed immunologic memory to a booster dose and developed protective antibody titers 1 month later; 60.6% maintained protective titers 1 year later. The frequency of new hepatitis B virus infection was similar for those who received a booster and those who did not as investigated by the core antibody seroconversion during 1-year follow-up. However, the risk was low, with annual incidences of <1% in both groups, and none became chronic carriers. Conclusion. According to these data a universal vaccination program in infancy provides adequate protection against hepatitis B virus infection for school age children and a booster vaccination is not recommended.
SDGs
Other Subjects
hepatitis b surface antibody; hepatitis b surface antigen; hepatitis b vaccine; anamnesis; antibody titer; article; controlled study; female; hepatitis b; human; immune response; immunity; immunological memory; infection rate; major clinical study; male; priority journal; school child; seroconversion; Taiwan; vaccination; Child; Female; Hepatitis B; Hepatitis B Antibodies; Hepatitis B Surface Antigens; Hepatitis B Vaccines; Humans; Immunization Programs; Immunization, Secondary; Immunologic Memory; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Male; Taiwan
Type
journal article