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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. if (g_displayableSlots.mobileMiddleMrec) { pushDisplayAd(function() { googletag.
display('div-gpt-mobile-middle-mrec'); }); } 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. American Academy of Family Physicians Williams, A. L.
, & Newman, R. S. (2025).
Heplisav-B vs Standard Hepatitis B Vaccine Booster for Health Care Workers. The Annals of Family Medicine . doi.
org/10.1370/afm.240184 .
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