Hepatitis B revaccination for healthcare workers who are anti-HBs-negative after receiving a primary vaccination series

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to evaluate the response to hepatitis B (HB) revaccination of healthcare workers (HCW) who are negative for antibodies to HB surface antigen (anti-HBs) after a complete vaccination series. METHODS: HCW whose anti-HBs test was performed > 90 days after a HB vaccination course were given a 4th dose. A post-vaccination test was done within 30 to 90 days. RESULTS: One hundred and seventy HCW were enrolled: 126 (74.1%) were anti-HBs-positive after the 4th dose. CONCLUSIONS: Rechecking anti-HBs after the 4th HB vaccine dose is a practical approach in case of post-vaccination tests performed >90 days after the full vaccination course.INTRODUÇÃO: Esse estudo avaliou a resposta à revacinação contra hepatite B (HB) entre profissionais de saúde (PS) com anti-HBs negativo após esquema de vacinação completo. MÉTODOS: PS cujo anti-HBs foi realizado > 90 dias após a última dose do esquema vacinal receberam 4ª dose da vacina. O anti-HBs foi repetido 30-90 dias após. RESULTADOS: Entre 170 PS, 126 (74,1%) tiveram anti-HBs positivo após a 4ª dose. CONCLUSÕES: Repetir o teste sorológico após a 4ª dose é estratégia prática caso o anti-HBs tenha sido realizado > 90 dias após a última dose da vacina.