If inactivated fractional vaccines, specifically Td, require booster doses every ten years, why are routine hepatitis B booster doses not recommended?
Available data show that vaccine-induced hepatitis B antibody levels do decline with time. Nevertheless, immune memory remains intact for at least 15 years following immunization, and both adults and children with declining antibody levels are still protected against significant hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection (e.g., clinical disease, HBsAg antigenemia, or significant elevation of liver enzymes). Exposure to HBV results in an anamnestic anti-HBs response that prevents clinically significant HBV infection. Chronic HBV infection has only rarely been documented among vaccine responders. For adults and children with normal immune status, booster doses of vaccine are not recommended nor is routine serologic testing to assess immune status. The need for booster doses after longer intervals will continue to be assessed as additional information becomes available.
Related Questions
- If inactivated fractional vaccines, specifically Td, require booster doses every ten years, why are routine hepatitis B booster doses not recommended?
- Are booster doses of DTaP and polio vaccines acceptable for compliance if administered more than four days prior to the 4th birthday?
- Does the patient require a booster with the separate vaccines?
