Effectivity of Hepatitis B Vaccination

Abstract

Introduction: Hepatitis B poses a significant health problem worldwide. Hepatitis B vaccine as a part of universal immunization, is both cost-effective and efficacious with minimal side effects. The Hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccine is exceptionally effective, providing 98–100% immunity in healthy individuals who complete the standard 2-to-3-dose series. It is one of the most successful public health interventions, drastically reducing pediatric infections worldwide and providing long-term protection that lasts at least 30 years. The reported side effects of the Hepatitis B vaccine include soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site, headache, fatigue, and a low-grade fever.

Aim of Study To determine effectivity of hepatitis B vaccination in spouses of Hepatitis B patients and Health care workers.

Materials & Methods: It was prospective study conducted at Department of Medical Gastroenterology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (PGIMS), Rohtak, over a period of three years from 1^st July, 2023 to 30^th June, 2026. At our department, as a policy matter, we mandatory screen spouses and other family members for HBV and HCV infection in patients of chronic hepatitis B and C. Moreover, we also have mandatory fully vaccinated all health care workers against hepatitis B. Hence, we tried to check effectivity of HBV vaccination in these two groups, at-least after three years of HBV vaccination. This time period was given for adequate exposure for risk of counteracting hepatitis B infection. Only those spouses were enrolled in the study who were having normal sexual relationships after HBV vaccination. Moreover, only those healthcare workers were enrolled who were having clinical postings after HBV vaccination. Our institute has high footfall of HBV and HCV patients who are treated in various specialities and super-specialities. Moreover, our department is model treatment centre under National viral hepatitis control program and on daily basis 70-80 HBV and HCV patients come for treatment which require endoscopy and indoor admission in many cases. Thus, our 25 staff members are continuously exposed to HBV and HCV infection. In total, total 500 spouses and 500 health care workers were screened with HbsAg test after at least in three years of HBV vaccination. The written informed consent was taken before enrolling in the study and data pertaining to them was analysed.

Observation and Results: Out of total one thousand participant in study group, 500 were health care workers and 500 were spouses of HBV patients. All had received three doses of HBV vaccination. The challenge faced was in certain husbands of HBV infected females who had strong ego. They felt, that they do not need advice of their spouses, as they are main head of family. Hence with persistent efforts took full dose of HBV vaccine. Out of these 1000 participants, none was found to be HbsAg positive after a gap of 3-5 years of complete course of HBV vaccination.

Conclusion: India is having intermediate prevalence of HBV. Hepatitis B vaccination is strongly indicated in health care workers and high -risk groups. The vast majority of vaccinated healthcare workers and spouses of HBV patients remain protected against HBV infection decades after the primary immunization cycle. These results give strong motivation for mandatory HBV vaccination in all health care workers and high-risk groups, including spouses and family members of HBV patients.