title: The implication of a reduced-dose hepatitis B vaccination schedule in low risk newborns.
abstract: Five hundred and seventy-four babies born to HBsAg negative mothers in Hong Kong received either a regular (5 micro g) or reduced (2.5 micro g) three-dose regimen of recombinant hepatitis B vaccine. A significantly higher anti-HBs positivity rate (>or=10 mIU/ml), geometric mean titer (GMT) and the maintenance of a high anti-HBs level (>or=100 mIU/ml) were observed with the regular-dose regimen. The differences persisted, however, only up to 1 year post-vaccination. Over an 8-year period, only 1% of the vaccinees demonstrated anti-HBc seroconversion and none had become HBsAg positive. The long-term efficacy of the reduced-dose regimen was confirmed, even in an HBV endemic population.
authors.affiliation: Department of Health, Hong Kong SAR Government, Hong Kong, China. ss_lee@dh.gov.hk
authors.forename: S S
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: B W Y
authors.initials: BW
authors.lastname: Young
authors.forename: K H
authors.initials: KH
authors.lastname: Wong
authors.forename: W L
authors.initials: WL
authors.lastname: Lim
mesh_terms: D004306:Dose-Response Relationship, Immunologic; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006515:Hepatitis B virus / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007115:Immunization Schedule; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D012307:Risk Factors
chemical_list: D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies; D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines