Hepatitis B Vaccination: Do You Need to Restart the Series?

Hepatitis B vaccine

Hello, I would like to ask about my situation.
During the health check when I entered as a freshman, it was found that I did not have antibodies for Hepatitis B.
Later, the school arranged for the Ministry of Health and Welfare to administer the vaccine.
However, it has been a year now, and I have only received one dose.
They mentioned that the Hepatitis B vaccine requires three doses.
Should I receive a booster or start over? Also, could you explain what the three doses mean? Is it a stronger vaccination?

Chen's, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/07/02

Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Hello, if your memory immune cells are still present, then receiving an additional dose will automatically boost your antibody levels, so one dose is sufficient; if not, in addition to this dose, you will need to receive two more doses.
Wishing you peace and health.
Sincerely, Dr.
Chi-Feng Chen, Attending Physician, Department of Gastroenterology, Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2015/07/02

More Info

When it comes to Hepatitis B vaccination, understanding the necessity and timing of doses is crucial for ensuring adequate immunity. The Hepatitis B vaccine is typically administered in a series of three doses, following a schedule of 0, 1, and 6 months. This means that the first dose is given, followed by a second dose one month later, and a third dose six months after the first. This schedule is designed to provide optimal protection against the Hepatitis B virus (HBV).

In your case, as a college freshman who has received only one dose of the vaccine, it is important to assess your current immunity status. If your health check indicated that you do not have detectable antibodies against Hepatitis B (Anti-HBs), it suggests that your body has not yet developed sufficient immunity to the virus. This can happen for several reasons, including not completing the vaccination series or individual variations in immune response.

Given that you have only received one dose, it is advisable to complete the vaccination series. The three doses are not merely a booster but are essential for achieving long-term immunity. The first dose primes the immune system, the second dose enhances the immune response, and the third dose solidifies and prolongs that immunity. Studies have shown that completing the full series significantly increases the likelihood of developing protective antibody levels against HBV.

If you are concerned about your current antibody status, it may be beneficial to have a blood test done to check for Anti-HBs levels. If the test shows that you have developed antibodies, you may not need to continue with the remaining doses. However, if the antibodies are still undetectable, you should proceed with the second and third doses of the vaccine.
In summary, since you have only received one dose of the Hepatitis B vaccine, it is recommended that you complete the series to ensure adequate protection. The three-dose regimen is designed to provide a robust immune response and long-lasting immunity against Hepatitis B. If you have any further questions or concerns, discussing them with your healthcare provider can provide personalized guidance based on your health history and vaccination status.

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