Seroconversion by EMS Personnel Vaccinated with HBV Recombinant DNA

Objective: To evaluate the seroconversion rate of EMS personnel given the hepatitis B virus (HBV) recombinant deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) vaccine series. Design: Retrospective review of paramedics and firefighters consecutively completing the HBV recombinant DNA vaccine program. Setting: Urban, non-prof it, private, regional EMS Resource Hospital. The Chicago North EMS System is under contract with the Chicago Fire Department. This contract allows for the voluntary vaccination of EMS personnel with recombinant DNA-HBV vaccine and treatment and follow-up of paramedics and firefighters possibly exposed to HBV. Population: Initial 68 EMS personnel completing HBV recombinant DNA vaccine program (48 primary prophylaxis and 20 post-exposure prophylaxis). Intervention: HBV recombinant DNA vaccine series was administered voluntarily to Chicago EMS System paramedics and firefighters per manufacturers recommendations. Two weeks after completion of the vaccination series, blood samples for HBV antibody titres were drawn to determine reactivity and the need for further immunization. Results: Of the 68 vaccinated individuals, only two had negative titres (3%). These two individuals were given a fourth dose of vaccine with successful seroconversion. Conclusions: Prehospital care personnel are known highrisk, health-care workers for acquiring HBV and should be vaccinated prophylactically. There is a high seroconversion rate (97%) utilizing HBV recombinant DNA vaccine. However, post-vaccination antibody titres must be performed to identify those rare individuals that do not seroconvert.