Characteristics of post-vaccination immunity in students vaccinated against hepatitis B in the first year of life

Abstract

Most researchers agree that the level of protective anti-HBs decreases with age after 3-fold immunization in the first year of life, which requires the introduction of a booster dose at least 5—7 years after the completed vaccination. It is necessary to continue monitoring those vaccinated against hepatitis B in the first year of life, including those from occupational risk groups.

Objective: to assess the frequency and level of anti-HBs 18 or more years after the completed course of vaccination against hepatitis B according to the standard scheme in the first year of life and to identify risk groups that need revaccination.

Of 116 donor students in Moscow, 18—22 years after the completed course of vaccination against hepatitis B according to the standard scheme carried out in the first year of life, in 42.3% of cases, the titer of specific antibodies was determined below the protective level (< 10 mME/ml). At the same time, the share of seronegative individuals among medical students was higher (52.8%). Of 116 donor students, in 38.8% of cases, the titer of protective antibodies was determined in low (10—100 mME/ml) and only in 13.8% — in high (100—1000 mME/ml) and in 5.2% — very high (> 1000 mME/ml) values. Markers of DNA HBV, HBsAg, and anti-HBcor were not detected in any cases. Medical students primarily need a revaccination against hepatitis B without a preliminary study of the initial titers of specific antibodies.