Abstract
The hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccination schedule in Libya follows international recommendations (1st dose at birth, 2nd after 1 month and 3rd after 6 months). This research aimed to evaluate the long-term protection of the HBV immunization programme in Tripoli and to determine the best age to administer booster doses. Serum levels of hepatitis B surface antigen were determined in 277 randomly selected children aged 1-12 years. The response to HBV vaccine in 1-3-year-olds was 93.2%, but this declined with age and at 7-9 years after initial vaccination only 53.1% of children had protective titres (≥ 10 mIU/mL). No significant differences between males and females in antibody persistence or response to vaccine were observed. We recommend continuing the HBV vaccination programme and that a booster dose be given to 6-year-old children to ensure maximum protection during the period of school entry and beyond.
| Translated title of the contribution | First evaluation of the serum level of anti-hepatitis b surface antigen after vaccination in Libya |
|---|---|
| Original language | French |
| Pages (from-to) | 990-994 |
| Number of pages | 5 |
| Journal | Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal |
| Volume | 19 |
| Issue number | 12 |
| Publication status | Published - 2013 |
