Low hepatitis B immunogenicity of a hexavalent vaccine widely used in Germany: results of the German Health Survey for Children and Adolescents, 2003-2006

Epidemiol Infect. 2010 Nov;138(11):1621-9. doi: 10.1017/S0950268810000543. Epub 2010 Mar 17.

Abstract

The success of childhood vaccination against hepatitis B relies on persistence of immunity into adolescence and adulthood. In 2000, two hexavalent vaccines with a hepatitis B component (Hexavac, Infanrix hexa) were introduced in Germany. Hexavac was withdrawn in 2005 amidst concerns about its long-term hepatitis B protection. We compared hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs) levels in children fully vaccinated with Hexavac or Infanrix hexa (n=477) in a secondary data analysis of a large cross-sectional health survey in Germany. On average 2.4 years after vaccination, 25.3% of Hexavac vaccinees had anti-HBs levels <10 mIU/ml (95% CI 19.0-32.8) compared to 4.7% of Infanrix hexa vaccinees (95% CI 2.4-8.9). These findings suggest that short-term hepatitis B immunogenicity in Hexavac vaccinees may also be weaker. Further studies are warranted to assess whether Hexavac vaccinees should be re-vaccinated or receive a booster vaccination before these birth cohorts reach adolescence.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis Vaccine / administration & dosage
  • Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis Vaccine / immunology
  • Female
  • Germany / epidemiology
  • Haemophilus Vaccines / administration & dosage
  • Haemophilus Vaccines / immunology
  • Hepatitis B / epidemiology
  • Hepatitis B / prevention & control*
  • Hepatitis B Antibodies / blood*
  • Hepatitis B Vaccines / administration & dosage*
  • Hepatitis B Vaccines / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Logistic Models
  • Male
  • Poliovirus Vaccines / administration & dosage
  • Poliovirus Vaccines / immunology

Substances

  • Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis Vaccine
  • Haemophilus Vaccines
  • Hepatitis B Antibodies
  • Hepatitis B Vaccines
  • Poliovirus Vaccines