Newer hepatitis B vaccine shows promise as booster for health care workers

Research Brief

Background and Goal: Health care workers are at higher risk of hepatitis B infection due to occupational exposure to blood and body fluids. They are considered protected if they have a hepatitis B surface antigen antibody (anti-HBs) titer of  ≥10 mIU/mL after completing a full vaccination series. This study compared the effectiveness of Heplisav-B, a new hepatitis vaccine, vs. standard hepatitis B vaccines as a booster in previously vaccinated individuals.

Study Approach: Researchers conducted a retrospective cohort study at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, analyzing medical records from 2019 to 2022. The study included medical students who had completed a full hepatitis B vaccine series but had low antibody levels. Participants received either a standard hepatitis B booster or a Heplisav-B booster. Their antibody levels were measured at least 30 days later to determine if they had achieved protective immunity.

Main Results:

• 99.4% of individuals receiving Heplisav-B reached protective antibody levels.

• 92.7% of individuals receiving a standard booster reached protective levels.

• The 6.7% higher response rate with Heplisav-B was statistically significant (95% CI, 1.9%-14.5%; P = .003).

• All seven individuals who remained below protective levels after one booster reached immunity after receiving additional vaccinations.

Why It Matters:The study findings suggest that a single booster dose is sufficient to confirm hepatitis B immunity in most young, healthy health care workers who previously completed a full vaccination series. Heplisav-B was more effective than standard hepatitis B vaccines.

Heplisav-B vs Standard Hepatitis B Vaccine Booster for Health Care Workers 

Alan L. Williams, MD, MPH

Department of Family Medicine, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, Maryland

Raquelle S. Newman, MD

Spangdahlem Air Base, 54529 Spangdahlem, AE, Germany 

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Visual Abstract

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