Waquaruddin Ahmed, Javeria Waquar, Ijaz Haider, Syed Ejaz Alam, Muhammad Ayaz Mustufa, Safia Bibi.
Evaluation of antibody response of hepatitis b vaccine provided by the chief minister program of sindh province.
Pak J Med Res Jan ;54(2):57-60.

Background: Genetically produced hepatitis B vaccines generally produce antibodies in over 95% subjects after the 3rddose. This vaccine was procured in bulk, through the Chief Minister’s Program and was stored at different sites under varied temperatures compromising its efficacy. Objective: To determine the anti HBs levels in general population after receiving all 3 doses. Subjects and Methods: The study population comprised of healthy population who were divided into two groups. One group comprised of health care workers (HCW) of a tertiary care hospital and the second group was general population of a rural area of Sindh. Both groups were checked for HBsAg and antiHBs antibody titer at baseline. Those positive for HBsAg or antiHBs negative were excluded. Hepatitis B vaccination received through the Chief Minister’s Program was given as 20ug intramuscular at 0,1 and 6 months, and antibody levels were checked after 1st, 2nd and 3rd dose of vaccine. According to WHO the vaccine should produce protective antibodies in > 95% subjects. Results: A total of 378 subjects were recruited, which included 180 unvaccinated HCWs and 198 general population. Out of these, 204 subjects (146 HCWs and 56 general population) completed all 3 doses and gave blood for testing. Antibodies to hepatitis B were found in 169 (82.8%) subjects after the 3rd dose of vaccine, while 35 (17.2%) cases did not develop antiHBs. Protective antibody titer developed in 129 (88%) HCWs and 40 (69%) community members. Conclusion: The vaccine efficacy in producing protective antibodies was 82.8%, which is below the WHO recommendations.

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