Immunization of hospital staff by recombinant hepatitis B vaccine

ABSTRACT: A total number of 247 hospital staff working high risk department of the Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences were vaccinated with recombinant Hepatitis B vaccine (Engerix V, Smith & Kline, Germany). The sero conversion was assessed by testing antibody to HBsAg in 147 subjects after each dose and in another 100 subjects a month after third dose. The antibody positivity was 12 percent, 15 percent and 98 percent after the first, second and third doses, respectively. the range of antibody levels was 14.7-82.5 mlU/ml, 10.4-185.5 mlU/ml and 27.1-807.2 mlU/ml respectively in the 3 doses. In 72 persons the third dose was delayed by 2-8 months due to various reasons, yet the protective antibodies were observed in 97 percent of the subjects. The vaccine was well accepted with minimal reactions. It is concluded that the recombinant HBV vaccine is effective, safe, highly immunogenic and well tolerated.