Comparative safety and immunogenicity of two recombinant hepatitis B vaccines given to infants at two, four and six months of age

Pediatr Infect Dis J. 1996 Jul;15(7):590-6. doi: 10.1097/00006454-199607000-00006.

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the relative safety and immunogenicity of the two recombinant hepatitis B vaccines licensed in the United States with doses recommended for routine immunization of low risk infants and a schedule that corresponds with routine pediatric visits.

Methods: Healthy infants were immunized at 2, 4 and 6 months of age with hepatitis B vaccine manufactured by either SmithKline Beecham (Engerix-B, 10 micrograms/dose, n = 228) or Merck and Co. (Recombivax HB, 2.5 micrograms/dose, n = 200). Adverse reactions were ascertained by parental reports and interviews and by review of medical records. Antibody concentrations to hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs) were measured in sequential serum specimens by enzyme immunoassay.

Results: Adverse reactions were mild and the rates were not significantly different between the two groups. After the first and second doses the rates of seropositivity (> or = 10 mIU/ml) and seroprotection (> or = 10 mIU/ml) were significantly higher in infants given SmithKline Beecham vaccine (P < 0.01). After the second and third doses infants given SmithKline Beecham vaccine also had significantly higher geometric mean anti-HBs concentrations compared with those given Merck vaccine (348.0 mIU/ml vs. 66.9 and 1914.8 mIU/ml vs. 514.8 mIU/ml, respectively, P < 0.001). Nevertheless after the third dose 99% of infants in both vaccine groups achieved seroprotective antibody concentrations.

Conclusions: Both recombinant hepatitis B vaccines were safe and immunogenic when administered concurrently with other pediatric vaccines at 2, 4 and 6 months of age, but earlier protective responses were observed with the SmithKline Beecham vaccine than with the Merck vaccine.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Comparative Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Consumer Product Safety
  • Female
  • Hepatitis B Antibodies / analysis
  • Hepatitis B Vaccines / administration & dosage*
  • Hepatitis B Vaccines / adverse effects
  • Hepatitis B* / immunology
  • Hepatitis B* / prevention & control
  • Humans
  • Immunization Schedule
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Vaccines, Synthetic / administration & dosage*
  • Vaccines, Synthetic / adverse effects

Substances

  • Hepatitis B Antibodies
  • Hepatitis B Vaccines
  • Vaccines, Synthetic