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Immune response to hepatitis B vaccine: An evaluation
Anitha Madhavan1, Dhanya Sasidharan Palappallil2, Jayalakshmy Balakrishnapanicker3
1Department of Microbiology, Government TD Medical College, Alappuzha, Kerala, India.
Perspectives in Clinical Research
|November 11, 2021
Summary
Hepatitis B vaccination rates in Kerala healthcare workers were 72.6%, with 12.3% showing nonprotective antibody titers post-vaccination. Factors like older age and longer intervals since the last dose predicted lower immunity.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection poses a significant public health challenge in India.
- Immunization of healthcare workers (HCWs) is crucial for preventing occupational HBV exposure.
- Tertiary care institutions in Kerala are key sites for studying HBV vaccination status.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine Hepatitis B vaccination rates among students and HCWs.
- To assess the immune response, measured by antibody titers, after vaccination.
- To identify predictors of a nonprotective antibody titer (<10 mIU/ml) in this population.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care institution in Alappuzha, Kerala.
- Vaccination status was recorded via screening proforma for 1321 participants.
- Antibody to Hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs) titers were measured in 579 fully vaccinated individuals.
Main Results:
- The overall Hepatitis B vaccination rate was 72.6%.
- Among fully vaccinated participants (n=959), 12.3% exhibited nonprotective anti-HBs titers (<10 mIU/ml).
- Predictors of nonprotective titers included age >35 years, last dose >10 years prior, no boosters, and BMI >25.
Conclusions:
- A notable proportion of high-risk individuals remain unvaccinated or under-vaccinated.
- Even with a full vaccination course, a significant percentage of HCWs and students may not achieve protective immunity.
- Targeted strategies considering age, vaccination history, and BMI are needed to improve Hepatitis B immunity in HCWs.
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