Antibody response after intradermal administration of recombinant hepatitis B vaccine in children

Intradermal vaccination with recombinant hepatitis B vaccine was performed in 33 children (mean age 3.3 years). A 2 micrograms dose was given at 0, 1 and 6 months and antibody responses were determined 20 months after the initial dose. In 32/33 children, serum antibodies to HBs were demonstrated, with a geometric mean level of 26.5 IU/l, and 24 children (73%) had anti-HBs levels greater than or equal to 10 IU/l. The results indicate that intradermal vaccination with recombinant hepatitis B vaccine may be an alternative for vaccination of small children.