Post-Vaccination Immune Status Against the Hepatitis B Virus Amongst Doctors Working in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Open Access

Abstract

Background: Doctors face a high occupational risk of Hepatitis B. Vaccination provides protection, but the durability of this immunity is uncertain. This study assesses long-term vaccine-induced immunity in this vulnerable group. Objective: To assess the post-vaccination immune status against HBV among doctors in a tertiary care hospital and identify associated factors. Methods & Materials: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College & Hospital from July to December 2018. Using simple random sampling, 75 doctors aged 23-59 years who were vaccinated against HBV ≥5 years prior were enrolled. Serum Anti-HBs antibody titers were measured using ELISA. Protective immunity was defined as an Anti-HBs titer ≥10 mIU/mL. Data were analyzed with SPSS v20; a p-value <0.05 was considered significant. Results: The mean age was 32.3±6.0 years; 64% were male. All 75 doctors received three vaccine doses. Time since vaccination exceeded five years for all: 36% at 6-10 years and 36% at 11-15 years. Protective Anti-HBs titers (≥10 mIU/mL) were found in 89.3% (64% >100 mIU/mL, 25.3% 10-100 mIU/mL), while 10.7% were non-protective (<10 mIU/mL). A significant association existed between titer and age (p = 0.032), but not with sex, BMI, time since vaccination, or booster history (p > 0.05). Conclusion: A decade after the primary series, most doctors maintain protective antibody levels, though 10.7% remain susceptible. These findings support the importance of post-vaccination testing and targeted booster strategies.