[Does vaccination protect a child of an HBs Ag carrier mother against HBV infection?]

The aim of the study was to determine the degree of protection provided to the children born from HBs antigen carrying mothers, by vaccination administered according to the 0-1-2-12 scheme (Engerix B, SmithKline Beecham) as well as the level of HBs antibodies after a booster dose given 5 years later. The examination was conducted in 52 children. The level of HBs antibodies as well as the remaining serological markers of HBV infection were assessed at the age of 6. Four to six months after booster dose administration the level of HBs antibodies was assesed again. The markers of HBV infection were determined with the IMx-AUSAB test (Abbott Laboratories). After 5 years from the vaccination, 3 (5.8%) children were found infected with HBV; the performed assessment of their immune system did not reveal any significant compromise. Values of anti-HBs < 10 mlU/ml were found in 4 (8.2%) of 49 infection-free children and low levels (11-100 mlU/ml) in other 4 (8.2%) children, moderate (101-1000 mlU/ml) in 29 (55.8%), and very high (> 1000 mlU/ml) in 9 (17.3%). Four to six weeks after a booster dose, only one child did not respond to the vaccination. High levels of anti-HBs antibodies were obtained in the rest of the children. In our opinion there is a justified need to administer a booster dose 5 years after completing the vaccination in the risk group children.