From the Guidelines
The hepatitis B booster vaccine is generally not needed for most people who completed the initial 3-dose series and had an adequate immune response. After receiving the standard hepatitis B vaccination series (typically given as 3 shots over 6 months), most healthy individuals develop long-lasting immunity that persists for decades, possibly for life 1. However, certain groups may benefit from booster doses or antibody testing, including:
- Healthcare workers
- Dialysis patients
- Immunocompromised individuals
- Those with ongoing hepatitis B exposure risk For these high-risk individuals, testing for hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs) levels can determine if immunity has waned below protective levels (10 mIU/mL) 2. If antibody levels are found to be inadequate, a single booster dose of the hepatitis B vaccine can restore protective immunity. The booster uses the same vaccine as the initial series (Engerix-B, Recombivax HB, or Heplisav-B) and is administered as a single intramuscular injection.
It's worth noting that the hepatitis B vaccine induces particularly robust and durable immune memory in most people, which is why booster doses are not typically needed for the general population 1. However, for individuals with certain risk factors, regular testing and potential booster doses can help prevent hepatitis B infection and its associated morbidity and mortality. In dialysis patients, for example, a higher dose of the vaccine is recommended, and testing for anti-HBs levels should be done 1 to 2 months after completion of the vaccination series 2.