Hepatitis B Vaccines; Efficacy and Necessity of Booster Immunizations

Most hepatitis B (HB) vaccines are based on recombinant major S protein produced and purified from yeast. To decrease the number of vaccinations, several combination vaccines have been developed, and are commonly used for infant [1-3]. These include HB combined with diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis, and inactivated poliovirus vaccine (DTaP–IPV–HB vaccine); combined hepatitis A and HB vaccine; and combined HB-Hemophilus influenza type b (Hib)-conjugated vaccine. HB vaccine is recommended for all infants, all children aged < 19 years who were not previously vaccinated, hemodialysis patients, susceptible sexual partners of HB surface antigen (HBsAg)positive individuals, healthcare professionals, patients with HIV, men who have sex with men, and intravenous drug users. In 2013, HB vaccination was recommended for all healthcare professionals [4].