Long-term protection of hepatitis B vaccination among Egyptian children

Background: Hepatitis B Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent transmission of hepatitis B virus (HBV). Objective: to detect the long-term immunogenicity of the vaccine in Egyptian children after five and ten years of vaccination. Methods: Two hundreds healthy children were recruited. They were divided into two groups according to their age. Group A included 100 child, around 6 years old, vaccinated 5 years ago. Group `B` included 100 child, around 11 years old, vaccinated 10 years ago. Hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb) titre was tested, booster dose of the vaccine was given to children whose HBsAb was 10 mIU/ml, then one and half month later, they were retested for HBsAb to evaluate the response. Results: Both groups had a wide range of HBsAb (2-1000 mlU/ml), and there was a significant difference in the level of the two groups. Our data proves the decline of antibody titre with time. In group A, 19 children needed a booster dose, 14 of them were vaccinated, and 10 were retested after one and half month. The results showed that 9 (90%) responded by increased level of HBsAb, with six (66.6%) showing an adequate response. In group B, 52 children had antibody titre 10, 48 of them were vaccinated and 34 were retested one and half months later. Two out of the 34 did not respond and 32 (94.2%) responded by an increase in the antibody titre. Of those who responded, 19 had adequate response (HBsAb ≥ 100) and 13 had hypo-response (HBsAb = 10 -100). Eighty percent (80%) of boys versus 51.7% of girls responded adequately. Conclusion: Hepatitis B vaccine is an effective and successful way for preventing HBV infection. No need for booster dose at least for 5 years after vaccination .