Abstract
Twenty four subjects were simultaneously administered DT toxoids, OPV and HBV vaccines at the age of 3, 4–5 and 11 months and then followed up for 2 and 4 years in order to evaluate the duration of the immune response and the need and the timing of HBV revaccination. A fall in anti-HBs titre below 10 mIU/ml was observed at the follow up in 4/24 (16.7%) of the subjects. In other 5 children (20.8%) anti-HBs titre was found to be just above 10 mIU/ml. This would suggest that a revaccination is indicated and it could be performed at the age of 5–6 years when children enter school. This schedule is simple, effective and money saving since it reduces the cost/benefit ratio and the number of visits for immunisations, and it is expected to improve the compliance for the vaccination.
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Li Volti, S., Giammanco-Bilancia, G., Giammanco, G. et al. Duration of hepatitis B antibody response in children immunised with hepatitis B and compulsory vaccines. Eur J Epidemiol 11, 217–219 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01719491
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01719491