Immunogenicity of Two Versus Three Doses of Hepatitis B Vaccine When Administered to Children Aged 2-18 Months: A Randomized Clinical Trial.
J Infect DisSep 2, 2026
Koffi Barnabé Kegbevi, Yossi Febriani, Chantal Sauvageau et al.
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In 30 seconds
This randomized clinical trial evaluated the immunogenicity of 2-dose versus 3-dose hepatitis B vaccination schedules in children aged 2-18 months. The study found that seroprotection rates were high and similar across groups, with the heterologous 2-dose schedule showing a higher geometric mean titer (GMT) of 9380.5 mIU/mL compared to the 3-dose group at 6900.6 mIU/mL, although this was not statistically significant (P = .4).
Key findings
- Seroprotection rates were 91.7% for heterologous 2-dose, 90.9% for homologous 2-dose, and 94.2% for 3-dose.
- The heterologous 2-dose group had a GMT of 9380.5 mIU/mL, compared to 6900.6 mIU/mL in the 3-dose group.
- Anamnestic response rates post-challenge were similar across all groups, ranging from 92.7% to 97.2%.
- Local reactions were significantly lower after the heterologous 2-dose schedule compared to the homologous 2-dose schedule.
Why it matters
Understanding the immunogenicity and reactogenicity of different hepatitis B vaccination schedules in infants is crucial for optimizing vaccination strategies and ensuring effective protection against hepatitis B virus.