Abstract
The current immunisation schedule recommends, in certain specific cases requiring rapid acquisition of immunity against the hepatitis B virus, an accelerated immunisation schedule instead of the usual schedule.
The French High Council of public health (HCSP) has taken into consideration the clinical situations which might be concerned and the comparative immunogenicity of the two accelerated primary vaccination schedules against hepatitis B that have been granted a Marketing Authorisation (MA).
The HCSP recommends that:
- the previous accelerated schedule for adults (M0, M1, M2 and booster at M12) be abandoned;
- an accelerated schedule involving the administration of a primary vaccination in three doses over 21 days in accordance with the MAs be implemented for persons planning an imminent trip to a high- or moderate-endemia area, for incarcerated persons, for persons waiting for a solid organ transplantation (liver transplantation), and, exceptionally, for students in medical and paramedical courses if they must be protected rapidly. To ensure long-term protection, the 12-month booster is essential;
- anti-HB antibody count to be performed one month after the 12-month booster dose in situations where non-responders to the vaccine need to be screened;
- for anyone victim of accidental exposure to the hepatitis B virus (by blood or sexual transmission) in the period between the primary vaccination and the booster vaccination, that they ask for an emergency anti-HB antibody count.
The HCSP points out that this accelerated schedule does not apply to immunodeficient persons or to children.
- Europe
- France
- Hepatitis B
