The place of accelerated schedules for hepatitis A and B vaccinations

The availability of accelerated schedules of vaccination, as well as the development of combination vaccines, has enhanced the methods of protection against infectious disease, in particular that of hepatitis A and B viruses. The benefits of using accelerated schedules include: (i) enhanced adherence to and subsequent completion of vaccine courses; (ii) convenience for the recipient of the vaccine; (iii) reduced administration costs of providing the vaccine; and, most importantly, (iv) the ability to provide protection against these serious infections to those who will be imminently exposed to the risk and so require protection as quickly as possible. Active immunisation against both hepatitis A and B viruses has only been recognised within the last 20 years. During this time clinical studies have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of administering the monovalent hepatitis B vaccine by way of accelerated schedules. There are now several accelerated schedules of administration of hepatitis B vaccine which can be tailored to the needs of the individual at risk of exposure to infection. One such schedule allows the primary course to be administered within a period of 1 month. This schedule of day 0, 7 and 21, with a booster at 12 months, is licensed for use with the recombinant hepatitis B vaccine Engerix B and results in a seroprotection rate of 65% at day 28 which increases to 99% at month 13. In more recent years, the development of a multivalent or combination vaccine against hepatitis A and B (Twinrix) has been a welcome advance in the protection against viral hepatitis, and has been of particular benefit to those who are at risk of infection with both viruses. The advantages of accelerated schedules have also been recognised with this combination vaccine. The primary course may be administered within a period of 1 month so providing protection for those at risk and, in particular, the last minute traveller.