Can Engerix-B (Hepatitis B vaccine) booster be given to a pregnant woman with impaired immune function?

From the Guidelines

Engerix-B booster can be given to a pregnant woman with low immunity if clinically indicated, as the vaccine is considered safe during pregnancy with no evidence of harm to the developing fetus. The vaccine contains no live virus and is recommended for pregnant women who lack hepatitis B antibodies, as they may be at higher risk for complications if infected 1. The standard dosing schedule for adults is three doses: an initial dose followed by doses at 1 month and 6 months after the first injection. For immunocompromised individuals, a higher dose (40 mcg) may be recommended, and post-vaccination testing is advised to confirm adequate antibody response. Some key points to consider when administering the Engerix-B booster to pregnant women with low immunity include:

• Pregnancy is not a contraindication to vaccination against hepatitis B, as the available vaccines contain noninfectious HBsAg and should cause no risk of infection to the fetus 1
• Pregnant women at risk for HBV infection during pregnancy should be vaccinated and counseled concerning other methods to prevent HBV infection 1
• The benefits of vaccination outweigh any potential risks in individual situations, especially for pregnant women with compromised immunity who lack hepatitis B antibodies 1 Side effects are typically mild and include soreness at the injection site, fatigue, or low-grade fever. Pregnant women should discuss their specific immune status and risk factors with their healthcare provider before receiving the vaccine to ensure the benefits outweigh any potential risks in their individual situation.

From the Research

Hepatitis B Vaccination in Pregnancy

• The study 2 suggests that pregnant women with low immunity should be vaccinated against hepatitis B during pregnancy, especially if they are at high risk of infection.
• However, the study does not specifically mention the use of Engerix Booster in pregnant women with low immunity.

Engerix Booster and Hepatitis B Immune Globulin

• The study 3 mentions that hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) is used to provide immediate passive protection against hepatitis B virus infection, and is often combined with active immunization with hepatitis B vaccine.
• The study 4 found that administration of HBIG with hepatitis B vaccine can delay and reduce responses to the vaccine, but this does not necessarily impact the effectiveness of the vaccine in preventing infection.
• The study 5 found that the combination of HBIG and hepatitis B vaccine is highly effective in preventing perinatally transmitted hepatitis B virus infections.

Safety and Efficacy of Hepatitis B Vaccine

• The study 6 states that hepatitis B vaccination is safe and has been accepted worldwide as a routine practice, and that the vaccine is highly effective in preventing replication of the hepatitis B virus.
• However, the study does not provide specific information on the use of Engerix Booster in pregnant women with low immunity.

Administration of Engerix Booster in Pregnancy

• Based on the available evidence, it appears that Engerix Booster can be given to pregnant women with low immunity, but the decision to administer the vaccine should be made on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the individual's risk factors and medical history, as mentioned in 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.