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Long term antibody response to hepatitis B vaccination beginning at birth and to subsequent booster vaccination

Ian T Williams1, Susan T Goldstein, Joseph Tufa

  • 1Division of Viral Hepatitis, National Center for Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30030, USA. IWilliams@CDC.GOV

The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal
|February 15, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Hepatitis B vaccination in infancy provides lasting antibody protection. A booster dose at ages 5 or 9 elicits a strong response, confirming long-term immunity in children.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Vaccinology
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Limited data exist on long-term antibody persistence after infant hepatitis B vaccination.
  • The response to booster doses in children vaccinated from birth requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess long-term antibody persistence after infant hepatitis B vaccination.
  • To evaluate the immunogenicity of a booster dose administered years after the primary series.

Main Methods:

  • Two groups of children received either recombinant or plasma-derived hepatitis B vaccine at birth, 1, and 6 months.
  • Booster doses were administered at age 5 (Group 1) or 9 (Group 2).
  • Antibody levels and hepatitis B virus infection markers were monitored before and after booster vaccination, with follow-up up to one year.

Main Results:

  • After the primary series, 90% of Group 1 children had protective antibody levels at 13 months.
  • Before booster doses, protective antibody levels were found in 41% of Group 1 and 39% of Group 2.
  • All children demonstrated an anamnestic response to the booster, with significant antibody declines observed one year post-booster.

Conclusions:

  • Primary hepatitis B vaccination initiated at birth provides durable protection in children.
  • Both plasma-derived and recombinant vaccines are effective in establishing long-term immunity.
  • Booster doses effectively restore antibody levels in children with waning immunity.
Abstract

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