Should a booster dose be administered in children after mass immunization for hepatitis B?

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis B virus infection is a global health problem and vaccine-preventable disease, but the duration of the effects of HBV vaccination in infants is unknown.Objectives: The aim of this trial, which comprised children who had received 3 doses as part of the universal HBV immunization program and no additional doses, was to investigate anti-HBs titers and HBsAg status after 9 years.Patients and Methods: We performed a descriptive, cross-sectional field research study. The study sample, based on sociodemographics and minimum seroprevalence, was analyzed based on 10.00% ± 1.50 (95% confidence interval) (1150 individuals); trial was realized in a total of 1279 children (623 females and 656 males). Anti-HBs titers were measured by micro-EIA (Dia Sorin-Italy); titers < 10 IU/mL were negative, 10-49 IU/mL were low-positive, and > 50 IU/mL were high-positive. For anti-HBs titers below protective levels, HBsAg was measured by micro-EIA.Results: In approximately half of the children (48.5% in those living in semiurban areas and 42.3% in urban areas), antibody titers were below protective levels.Conclusions: Mass HBV vaccination, which was implemented in Turkey in 1998, significantly decreases HBsAg positivity in childhood. Nevertheless, it might be necessary to administer a booster dose after 8-9 years in children, especially those in low socioeconomic areas or in whom irregular/insufficient immunization is suspected.

Implication for health policy/practice/research/medical education:Preventing from HBV infection in infants could not be performed without screening of immune status. Reading this interesting article is recommended to all infectious diseases specialists and immunologists.

Please cite this paper as:Tosun S, Deveci S, Kaplan Y, Kasirga E. Should a booster dose be administered in children after mass immunization for hepatitis B? Hepat Mon. 2011;11(6):440-4.

2011 Kowsar M.P.Co. All rights reserved.