Hepatitis B Vaccination: Dosage, Antibody Testing, and Next Steps

Q: Hepatitis B Vaccination: Dosage, Antibody Testing, and Next Steps

Hello Ms. <br>Lin： After receiving the hepatitis B vaccine, you can have a blood test to confirm its effectiveness as a reference. <br>Children only need a booster dose. <br>For the initial vaccination, three doses are required, but adults should first check if their HBcAb is pos

Hepatitis B vaccination administration

Hello Doctor: My daughter underwent a health check-up for high school admission, and both her Hepatitis B surface antigen and antibody tests were negative.
The hospital recommended that she receive the Hepatitis B vaccine.
I would like to ask if one dose of the Hepatitis B vaccine is sufficient, or if she needs to receive three doses? After completing the vaccination, is it necessary to have a blood test to check for the presence of antibodies? If antibodies are not produced, what should we do? Additionally, my husband also had a health check-up, and his Hepatitis B surface antigen and antibody tests were also negative.
Following the hospital's recommendation, he has received three doses of the Hepatitis B vaccine.
Should he also have a blood test to check for antibodies? If antibodies are not produced, what actions should be taken? Thank you for your guidance!

Miss Lin, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2011/11/28

Dr. Chen Shidian reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Hello Ms.
Lin: After receiving the hepatitis B vaccine, you can have a blood test to confirm its effectiveness as a reference.
Children only need a booster dose.
For the initial vaccination, three doses are required, but adults should first check if their HBcAb is positive.
Currently, there is only one vaccine brand available in the country, so those who do not respond cannot temporarily use vaccines from other brands.
Changhua Hospital cares about your health!

Reply Date: 2011/11/28

More Info

Hepatitis B vaccination is a crucial public health measure designed to prevent infection from the Hepatitis B virus (HBV), which can lead to serious liver diseases, including cirrhosis and liver cancer. Understanding the vaccination process, antibody testing, and subsequent steps is essential for ensuring effective protection against this virus.

Vaccination Schedule
The standard vaccination schedule for Hepatitis B consists of three doses. The first dose is administered at a chosen time, the second dose is typically given one month after the first, and the third dose is given six months after the first dose. This three-dose regimen is recommended to ensure adequate immune response and long-term protection.
In your case, since your daughter and husband both tested negative for Hepatitis B surface antigens and antibodies, it is appropriate for them to receive the full three-dose series of the vaccine. This will help them develop immunity against the virus.

Antibody Testing Post-Vaccination
After completing the vaccination series, it is advisable to conduct a follow-up blood test to check for the presence of Hepatitis B surface antibodies (anti-HBs). This test is typically performed about 1-2 months after the final dose of the vaccine. A positive result indicates that the individual has developed immunity to Hepatitis B, while a negative result suggests that the vaccination was ineffective.

What If Antibodies Are Not Detected?
If your daughter or husband does not develop antibodies after the vaccination series, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider. In some cases, individuals may not respond adequately to the vaccine due to various factors, including age, underlying health conditions, or immunosuppression.
For those who do not develop antibodies, a healthcare provider may recommend a second series of vaccinations. This involves administering additional doses of the vaccine, often starting with a new three-dose series. In some instances, a healthcare provider may also consider testing for specific immune responses or underlying conditions that could affect vaccine efficacy.

Importance of Vaccination
Vaccination against Hepatitis B is especially important for individuals who may be at higher risk of exposure to the virus, such as healthcare workers, individuals with multiple sexual partners, or those who share needles. The vaccine is safe and effective, and it is one of the most effective ways to prevent Hepatitis B infection.

Conclusion
In summary, both your daughter and husband should complete the three-dose Hepatitis B vaccination series. Following this, they should undergo antibody testing to confirm the development of immunity. If antibodies are not detected, further evaluation and possibly a repeat vaccination series may be necessary. It is essential to maintain open communication with healthcare providers throughout this process to ensure that both your daughter and husband are adequately protected against Hepatitis B. Regular check-ups and awareness of their health status will contribute to their overall well-being.

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Hello, sir. You should not need to receive another dose of the vaccine. If there is a genuine risk of exposure, you may receive one dose, and then have a blood test done one month later. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian.