Long-term protection against hepatitis B after newborn vaccination: 20-year follow-up

Hepatitis B vaccination in children born to hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive mothers considerably decreases the risk of vertical transmission. However, whether this protection against carriage of hepatitis B virus is maintained into early adulthood is as yet unknown.

A combined passive-active immunization programme for newborns of HBsAg-positive mothers was initiated in the north-eastern part of the Czech Republic in 1988. The number of immunized newborns had reached 665 newborns by the end of 2006. All mothers of immunized infants were HBsAg-positive during pregnancy, and 34 (5%) were also hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive. The immunization programme consists of providing newborns with protection at birth with hepatitis B immunoglobulin, followed by three 10-μg doses of plasma-derived or, since 1990, recombinant vaccine administered at 0, 1 and 6 months of life. Only 29 children of HBeAg-positive mothers received vaccine at 0, 1 and 2 months of life. Blood samples were obtained after immunization, at 2 years of age, and biennially thereafter. Samples were tested for HBsAg and hepatitis B surface and core antibodies (anti-HBs, anti-HBc).

The immunization schedules were completed in 640 children. A protective anti-HBs level after immunization was proven in 574 of 620 children (93%). Persistence of protective anti-HBs antibodies was detected in 70, 40 and 25% of children at 5, 10 and 15 years of age. Vertical transmission with chronic HBsAg carrier status was detected in two infants. Anti-HBc seroconversion was proven in ten children from 3 to 15 years of age. Natural boosting with an anti-HBs increase was detected in 38 children (twice in one child).

Our results show that combined active-passive immunization of newborns against hepatitis B provides persistent protection up to adolescence despite a frequent waning of anti-HBs antibodies, suggesting there is no need for booster vaccination during adolescence.