After receiving three doses of the hepatitis B vaccine and still testing negative, is it necessary to receive additional doses of the hepatitis B vaccine?
Four years ago, a company health check indicated that both the hepatitis B surface antigen and antibody were negative.
As a result, I received three doses of the hepatitis B vaccine (administered at one month intervals, then six months later).
However, in the following two years, my health checks continued to show that both the hepatitis B surface antigen and antibody were negative.
Should I receive another hepatitis B vaccine, or is there an issue with my health?
Huangshi, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2012/03/19
Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: The success rate of hepatitis B vaccination is approximately 90%.
It is generally recommended that if there are two consecutive failed vaccination attempts, further vaccinations should not be administered.
Best regards, Dr.
Chi-Feng Chen, Taoyuan Hospital, Department of Health.
Reply Date: 2012/03/19
More Info
When it comes to the Hepatitis B vaccine, understanding your immune response and vaccination history is crucial. Based on your situation, you received three doses of the Hepatitis B vaccine after your company health check indicated negative results for both Hepatitis B surface antigen and antibodies. Despite this vaccination, your subsequent health checks still show negative results for both the surface antigen and antibodies.
First, it’s important to clarify what these results mean. The Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) indicates an active infection, while the Hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs) indicates immunity to the virus, either from vaccination or past infection. If both are negative, it suggests that you are neither currently infected with Hepatitis B nor immune to it.
Now, regarding the vaccination itself, the standard schedule for the Hepatitis B vaccine is three doses, typically administered at 0, 1, and 6 months. After completing this series, most individuals develop protective antibodies. However, some people may not respond adequately to the vaccine, resulting in a lack of detectable antibodies even after completing the vaccination series. This phenomenon can occur due to various factors, including age, underlying health conditions, or immune system responses.
Given that you have received the complete vaccination series but still show negative antibody levels, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare provider. They may recommend a blood test to measure your antibody levels (anti-HBs) again. If the test shows that you still do not have protective antibodies, your healthcare provider may suggest a booster dose of the Hepatitis B vaccine.
In some cases, if a person does not respond to the initial vaccination series, additional doses may be required. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that individuals who do not develop antibodies after the initial series should receive an additional three doses of the vaccine, following the same schedule as the initial series. This is often referred to as a "re-vaccination" series.
It’s also worth noting that if you have underlying health conditions that affect your immune system, such as chronic liver disease or conditions that require immunosuppressive therapy, you may be at a higher risk for not developing immunity after vaccination. In such cases, your healthcare provider may recommend more frequent monitoring of your Hepatitis B status.
In summary, while it is not uncommon for some individuals to not develop immunity after the standard vaccination series, it is essential to follow up with your healthcare provider. They can guide you on whether you should receive additional doses of the Hepatitis B vaccine and monitor your health to ensure that you are protected against this virus. Regular testing and communication with your healthcare provider are key to managing your health effectively.
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