Intradermal recombinant hepatitis B vaccine for healthcare workers who fail to respond to intramuscular vaccine.
OBJECTIVE
To study the humoral immune responses, safety, and tolerability of intradermal recombinant hepatitis B vaccination in healthcare workers (HCWs) nonresponsive to previous repeated intramuscular vaccination.


METHODS
An open, prospective, before-after trial.


METHODS
A tertiary referral hospital and surrounding district health service in Queensland, Australia.


METHODS
Hospital and community HCWs nonresponsive to previous intramuscular hepatitis B vaccination.


METHODS
Intradermal recombinant hepatitis B vaccine was administered every second week for a maximum of 4 doses. Hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs) responses were assessed 2 weeks after each dose.


RESULTS
Protective anti-HBs levels developed in 17 (94%) of 18 study subjects. Three doses resulted in seroconversion of all responding subjects and the highest geometric mean antibody concentration. The vaccine was well tolerated.


CONCLUSIONS
More than 90% of previously nonresponsive HCWs responded to intradermal recombinant hepatitis B vaccine with protective anti-HBs levels.
Playford
E Geoffrey
EG
Infection Management Services, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
Hogan
Patrick G
PG
Bansal
Amolak S
AS
Harrison
Kareena
K
Drummond
David
D
Looke
David F M
DF
Whitby
Michael
M
D000328:Adult; D000488:Allied Health Personnel; D000917:Antibody Formation; D015992:Body Mass Index; D005260:Female; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000276:immunology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / Q000276:immunology* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007271:Injections, Intradermal; D007273:Injections, Intramuscular; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011793:Queensland
D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens; D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines