Hepatitis B Vaccination: Do You Really Need Three Doses?

Q: Hepatitis B Vaccination: Do You Really Need Three Doses?

Hello： 1. <br>If a person was fully vaccinated against hepatitis B in childhood and had a positive antibody response, but later shows no antibody response, only one booster dose is needed. <br>2. <br>If a person did not receive a complete series of three doses of the vaccine in c

Hepatitis B vaccine issues

Hello Doctor, my health check report from five months ago indicated that I do not have antibodies for Hepatitis B.
I received a vaccination three months ago, but I haven't gone back since.
I later heard from a friend that it seems like three doses are required, so I would like to ask you if it is true that the Hepatitis B vaccine requires three doses? If so, do I need to get more vaccinations? What is the recommended interval between doses? Also, why is it that I received vaccinations as a child but still do not have antibodies as an adult? Is it possible that I received one dose and still did not develop antibodies? Thank you!

Yue, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2010/01/04

Dr. Lai Junlong reply Family Medicine

Hello: 1.
If a person was fully vaccinated against hepatitis B in childhood and had a positive antibody response, but later shows no antibody response, only one booster dose is needed.
2.
If a person did not receive a complete series of three doses of the vaccine in childhood, or if they were vaccinated but did not develop immunity, they will need to receive a complete series of three doses of the vaccine again in adulthood.
3.
If it is confirmed that a person has received three or more doses of the vaccine but has not developed immunity, it is recommended to administer another series of three doses and then test for antibody response.
If there is still no antibody response, the individual is considered a non-responder and does not need to be vaccinated again.

Reply Date: 2010/01/04

More Info

Hepatitis B vaccination is a crucial public health measure aimed at preventing Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, which can lead to chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. The standard vaccination schedule for Hepatitis B involves three doses: the first dose is administered at a chosen time, the second dose is given one month later, and the third dose is administered six months after the first dose. This schedule is designed to ensure adequate immune response and long-term protection.

In your case, since you mentioned that you received only one dose of the vaccine three months ago and have not yet completed the series, it is essential to continue with the vaccination schedule. The first dose alone may not provide sufficient immunity, which is why the complete series is necessary. After the first dose, it typically takes about four to six weeks for the body to start producing antibodies, but full immunity is generally achieved only after completing all three doses.

Regarding your question about why you may not have antibodies despite receiving vaccinations as a child, several factors can contribute to this situation. First, the immune response to vaccines can vary significantly among individuals. Some people may not produce a detectable level of antibodies even after completing the vaccination series. This phenomenon is known as "non-responders." Additionally, immunity can wane over time, especially if the initial vaccination series was completed many years ago. Studies have shown that while most individuals will maintain protective antibody levels for many years, some may lose detectable antibodies, particularly if they were not exposed to the virus.

If your recent health check indicated that you have no Hepatitis B antibodies, it is advisable to complete the vaccination series. You should consult with your healthcare provider about the timing of your next dose. Generally, if you missed the second dose, you can receive it as soon as possible, and then follow up with the third dose six months after the first dose. The important thing is to ensure that you complete the series to maximize your protection against Hepatitis B.

In summary, yes, you do need to receive all three doses of the Hepatitis B vaccine to ensure adequate immunity. Since you have already received one dose, it is crucial to follow up with the remaining doses according to the recommended schedule. If you have any further concerns or questions about your vaccination status or the need for additional testing, do not hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for personalized advice and guidance. They can also discuss the possibility of checking your antibody levels after completing the vaccination series to confirm your immunity status.

Similar Q&A

Impact of Receiving Three Hepatitis B Vaccine Doses: What to Expect

Hello doctor, when I was 26 years old, I went to a small clinic to get tested for hepatitis B. The doctor said I had antibodies and didn't need the vaccine, but I wasn't reassured, so I received three doses of the hepatitis B vaccine, one dose every month. What effects ...

Dr. Chen Shidian reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
There will be no side effects; it's just unnecessary.

Can You Skip to the Second Hepatitis B Vaccine Dose?

If someone has not received the first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine and directly receives the second dose, it may affect the immune response. The hepatitis B vaccination schedule typically consists of three doses, and the first dose is crucial for establishing an adequate immun...

Dr. Chen Shidian reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, Miss: Please confirm your vaccination records and check your Hepatitis B antibodies. Then discuss the related risks and whether to receive the vaccine again with your gastroenterologist. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shih-Tien

Is One Dose of Hepatitis B Vaccine Enough for Protection?

Hello Dr. Lin, I would like to ask you a question. This year, I received the hepatitis B vaccine at the Tri-Service General Hospital in Neihu. After testing, I initially had no antibodies (I'm not sure if I was vaccinated as a child, as I was born in 1989). I only got vaccin...

Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, Hepatitis B can be transmitted through blood and bodily fluids, so it is recommended not to share items that may come into contact with blood, such as nail clippers and razors. It is best for couples to use condoms. Currently, there is a Hepatitis B vaccine available, and ...

Vaccination Concerns for Hepatitis B: What You Need to Know

I want to get vaccinated because my mother has hepatitis B, but she doesn't know if she is a carrier or has been infected. She has forgotten due to her age, but her liver function tests are normal. Additionally, my grandfather had liver cancer, and my father has prostate can...

Dr. Chen Shidian reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
If there is no exposure risk (such as for healthcare workers), there is no need for such proactive testing or booster shots (both of which are out-of-pocket expenses).