Long-term immune response of universal hepatitis b vaccination in infancy: a community-based study in taiwan
Journal
Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition
Journal Volume
28
Journal Issue
5
Pages
577
Date Issued
1999
Author(s)
Abstract
10 Objectives: To evaluate the long-term immunity provided by an universal hepatitis B vaccination program in infancy and the booster effect on school-age children without protective levels of anti-HBs. Methods: We conducted a community-based seroepidemiological study on 1,337 healthy seven-year-old children in Taiwan one decade after the implementation of a mass hepatitis B vaccination program. A booster vaccination was suggested for non-carrier children who did not have protective levels of the antibody. The serologic response and the infection rates were determined and compared with the non-boostered children. In a non-selected group of 39 volunteer non-carrier vaccinees, quantitative serologic response was determined before, one month after a booster vaccination, and one year later. Results: A total of 572 children (42.8%) were found to have low or undetectable concentrations of surface antibody, and nine were hepatitis B surface antigen carriers (0.7%). A suggested booster was accepted in 210 non-carrier children, 198 of whom had received an adequate vaccination in infancy. Totally 82% of the non-carrier vaccinees showed an immunological memory to a given booster dose and developed a protective level of antibody one month later, and 61% maintained the protective levels at one year follow-up. The frequency of new hepatitis B virus infection (core antibody conversion) was similar between those who received a booster vaccination and those who did not, with annual incidences of <1% in both groups during follow-up, and none became chronic carriers. The incidence of primary vaccine non-or or hyporesponders was estimated to be 8%. Conclusion: A universal vaccination program in infancy provides adequate protection against hepatitis B virus infection for the school-age children, and a booster vaccination is not suggested.
SDGs
Type
review