Intradermal and intramuscular route for vaccination against hepatitis B

A recombinant hepatitis B vaccine was administered to high-risk hospital personnel by intramuscular (20 micrograms) or intradermal (2 micrograms) injections for the primary immunization (n = 69) with three doses and booster immunization (n = 51) with one dose. Basic vaccination performed intramuscularly gave rise to significantly higher seroconversion levels (97.2% versus 78.1%) and geometric mean titres of antibody (1649 versus 126 IUl-1) as compared with the intradermal route. Intradermal administration did not boost antibody titres in patients previously vaccinated intradermally. Adverse reactions were not serious or severe. The intramuscular route is recommended as the procedure of choice when vaccinating against hepatitis B.