Kumaraguru Rajamani1, Jayavardhana Arumugam2
BACKGROUND
Less is known regarding the duration and long term protection offered by Hepatitis B vaccination and whether there is a need for booster doses of hepatitis B vaccine. This study determines the level of antibodies to Hepatitis B surface antigen and analyses the prevalence of seropositivity.
METHODS
A total of 30 children in the age group of 10-15 years were included for anti-HBs titres assessment. All were vaccinated for hepatitis B (3 doses) during infancy.
RESULTS
Only 30% of the children had anti-HBs titres in the protective range, majority are between 10 and 100 mIU/mL. Remaining 70% of the children had anti-HBs titres in the subprotective range (less than 10 mIU/mL).
CONCLUSION
This small study warrants further research on the necessity of booster doses of Hepatitis B and seroprotective levels of titres in Indian population.
