Hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccinations: immunogenicity of combined vaccine and of simultaneously or separately applied single vaccines

The vaccination success and side effects of hepatitis A and hepatitis B imm unisation of health care employees when using a combined vaccine were compa red to those observed with simultaneous or single immunisations. The immuno logical response of two groups of healthy participants (75 each) receiving either single HAV or HBV vaccination was compared with that of two groups ( 75 each) vaccinated either simultaneously with both vaccines or with the co mbined vaccine. There were no non or low responders with respect to hepatit is A vaccination. Only one participant failed to build up an anti-HBs titer after combined vaccination. The good tolerance of separate, simultaneous a nd combined vaccinations was confirmed. Both combined and simultaneous vacc ination led to significantly higher anti-HAV titers than single immunisatio n, while markedly but not significantly higher anti-HBs titers were found o nly with simultaneous vaccination. Considering the additional advantage of the higher acceptance of only one injection with the combined vaccine, this vaccination should be recommended for employees at risk for both hepatitis A and hepatitis B. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.