Update: Shortened Interval for Postvaccination Serologic Testing of Infants Born to Hepatitis B-Infected Mothers

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Immunology
• Public Health

Background:

• Infants born to mothers with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection are at high risk for perinatal transmission.
• Postexposure prophylaxis (PEP), including hepatitis B (HepB) vaccine and immune globulin, is crucial for preventing HBV infection in newborns.
• Postvaccination serologic testing (PVST) traditionally assesses vaccine response between 9-18 months of age.

Purpose of the Study:

• To update recommendations for the timing of postvaccination serologic testing (PVST) in infants born to mothers with hepatitis B.
• To provide guidance on optimizing the assessment of HepB vaccine response in infants.

Main Methods:

• Review of new data from the Enhanced Perinatal Hepatitis B Prevention Program.
• Consideration of the discontinuation of combination Hib/HepB vaccines.
• Analysis of optimal timing for serologic testing after vaccine completion.

Main Results:

• New data support earlier PVST.
• The recommended age for PVST is now 9-12 months.
• Testing should occur 1-2 months after the final HepB vaccine dose, provided the infant is at least 9 months old.

Conclusions:

• Shortening the PVST interval to 9-12 months ensures timely assessment of HepB vaccine immunity.
• This updated recommendation facilitates prompt identification of non-responders and potential need for revaccination.
• Ensuring adequate HepB vaccine response in infants is critical for preventing chronic HBV infection.