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[Vaccination against hepatitis B in childhood as possible means of infection control]
A M Giannone1, M C Tozzi, L Bruni
1V Cattedra di Clinica Pediatrica, Università degli Studi di Roma La Sapienza.
Insights
Hepatitis B vaccination in children is highly effective and safe, demonstrating a strong immune response in 48 out of 54 subjects. This approach is crucial for controlling the spread of Hepatitis B Virus infection and its long-term complications.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Public Health
- Virology
Background:
- Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infection poses significant health risks, particularly in family clusters with HBsAg carriers.
- Effective vaccination strategies are essential for controlling HBV transmission and preventing chronic complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of two Hepatitis B vaccines in children at high risk of exposure.
- To assess the immune response following a standard vaccination schedule.
Main Methods:
- A 21-month follow-up study involving 54 children (aged 2-14) from HBV-carrier families.
- Administration of HB-VAX (plasma-derived) and Engerix B (recombinant DNA) vaccines using a 0, 1, and 6-month schedule.
- Assessment of immune response at 1 and 12 months post-vaccination in 48 completers.
Main Results:
- All 48 children who completed the follow-up exhibited a robust immune response to Hepatitis B vaccination.
- No significant side effects were reported during the study period.
- Vaccination proved to be highly efficacious and safe in this pediatric cohort.
Conclusions:
- Hepatitis B vaccination is a safe and effective tool for controlling HBV infection and its complications in children.
- Large-scale vaccination programs are recommended for long-term disease control.
- Both plasma-derived and recombinant vaccines demonstrated excellent immunogenicity and safety profiles.
Abstract:
A follow-up of 21 months was conducted in order to evaluate the efficacy of vaccination against Hepatitis B Virus in a group of 54 children (age 2-14) belonging to family cluster characterized by the presence of HBsAg healthy carriers. HB-VAX, plasma-derived, and Engerix B, by a recombinant DNA technique, were both employed and administered with the following schedule: three doses of 0, 1 and 6 months. Out of 54 subjects, 48 completed the follow-up. These children all presented a good immune response as assessed at 1 and 12 months after the last administration. The results obtained show that this vaccination, free from side effects, is the most efficacious and safest tool to control the spread of Hepatitis B Virus infection and its complications at short and long term, especially when carried out on a large scale.