Long-Term Protection against HBV Chronic Carriage of Gambian Adolescents Vaccinated in Infancy and Immune Response in HBV Booster Trial in Adolescence

2007

Long-Term Protection Against Hepatitis B Virus in Gambian Adolescents

Sample size: 492 publication 10 minutes Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): van der Sande Marianne A., Waight Pauline A., Mendy Maimuna, Zaman Syed, Kaye Steve, Sam Omar, Kahn Abi, Jeffries David, Akum Aveika A., Hall Andrew J., Bah Ebrima, McConkey Samuel J., Hainaut Pierre, Whittle Hilton C.

Primary Institution: Medical Research Council Laboratories, Fajara, The Gambia

Hypothesis

Does infant vaccination against hepatitis B provide long-term protection into adolescence?

Conclusion

HBV vaccination in infants provides strong protection against chronic carriage up to 15 years of age, although many vaccinated individuals may not have detectable antibodies.

Supporting Evidence

Vaccine efficacy against infection was 67.0% and against chronic carriage was 96.6%.
31.2% of participants had detectable anti-HBs levels.
Boosted participants showed a significant increase in anti-HBs levels after vaccination.

Takeaway

Getting a hepatitis B vaccine as a baby helps keep you safe from the virus for a long time, but some kids might not have enough protection when they grow up.

Methodology

The study assessed vaccine efficacy and immune response in a sample of vaccinated and unvaccinated adolescents, measuring anti-HBs levels before and after a booster dose.