Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to compare the effi cacy of a standard hepatitis B virus vaccination program(day 0–30–60) with an accelerated vaccination program (day 0–10–21) in healthy healthcare workers.
Material/Methods: Participants were randomly assigned to a classical (group 1, days 0, 30, and 60) or an accelerated vaccination program (group 2, days 0, 10, and 21). The vaccine used was 20 μg recombinant hepatitis B vaccine (recombinant hepatitis B vaccine derived from yeast cells, Engerix B, Smith Cline
Beachum). HBV markers were re-examined for the emergence of anti-HBsAg and also to detect
the development of a possible acute HBV infection one, two, and three months after the last dose
of vaccine. Anti-HBsAg titers >10 mIU/l were accepted as protective.
Results: The seroprotection rates were similar one, two, and three months after the last dose of vaccine in both groups. Anti-HBsAg titers in group 1 were higher than in group 2 two and three months after
the last dose of vaccination (p

Keywords: Health Personnel, Hepatitis B - virology, Hepatitis B Vaccines - administration & dosage, Hepatitis B virus - metabolism, Immunization Programs, Immunization Schedule, Occupational Exposure, Time Factors, Vaccination