Duration of hepatitis B antibody response in children immunised with hepatitis B and compulsory vaccines

Eur J Epidemiol. 1995 Apr;11(2):217-9. doi: 10.1007/BF01719491.

Abstract

Twenty four subjects were simultaneously administered DT toxoids, OPV and HBV vaccines at the age of 3, 4-5 and 11 months and then followed up for 2 and 4 years in order to evaluate the duration of the immune response and the need and the timing of HBV revaccination. A fall in anti-HBs titre below 10 mIU/ml was observed at the follow up in 4/24 (16.7%) of the subjects. In other 5 children (20.8%) anti-HBs titre was found to be just above 10 mIU/ml. This would suggest that a revaccination is indicated and it could be performed at the age of 5-6 years when children enter school. This schedule is simple, effective and money saving since it reduces the cost/benefit ratio and the number of visits for immunisations, and it is expected to improve the compliance for the vaccination.

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Cost-Benefit Analysis
  • Diphtheria Toxoid / administration & dosage
  • Diphtheria-Tetanus Vaccine
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Hepatitis B Antibodies / biosynthesis*
  • Hepatitis B Vaccines / administration & dosage*
  • Hepatitis B Vaccines / immunology
  • Humans
  • Immunization Schedule
  • Immunization* / economics
  • Immunization, Secondary / economics
  • Infant
  • Italy
  • Office Visits / economics
  • Patient Compliance
  • Poliovirus Vaccine, Oral / administration & dosage
  • Tetanus Toxoid / administration & dosage
  • Time Factors
  • Vaccination* / economics
  • Vaccines, Combined / administration & dosage

Substances

  • Diphtheria Toxoid
  • Diphtheria-Tetanus Vaccine
  • Hepatitis B Antibodies
  • Hepatitis B Vaccines
  • Poliovirus Vaccine, Oral
  • Tetanus Toxoid
  • Vaccines, Combined