From the Guidelines
You are still due for the third dose of Hepatitis B vaccine, as the standard vaccination schedule consists of three doses and you have only completed the first two doses in 2007. The most recent guidelines from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, as reported in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report in 2022 1, emphasize the importance of completing the Hepatitis B vaccination series for long-term protection against the infection. According to these guidelines, if the HepB vaccination schedule is interrupted, the series does not need to be restarted, and the third dose should be administered as soon as possible, with the second and third doses separated by an interval of at least 8 weeks.
The key points to consider are:
- The Hepatitis B vaccination schedule for adults typically consists of three doses, with the third dose administered six months after the first dose.
- Interrupted schedules do not require restarting the series; the next dose should be given as soon as possible, adhering to the minimum interval between doses.
- The third dose is crucial for achieving long-term immunity against Hepatitis B infection.
Given that you completed the first two doses in 2007 and have not received the third dose, it is essential to schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider to receive the final dose as soon as possible, as recommended by the most recent guidelines 1. This will ensure you have complete protection against Hepatitis B infection, which is vital for preventing morbidity, mortality, and improving quality of life.
From the FDA Drug Label
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Hepatitis B Vaccination Schedule
- The standard hepatitis B vaccination schedule consists of three doses, typically given at 0,1, and 6 months 2.
- However, the timing of the third dose can be flexible, and it is not uncommon for individuals to receive their third dose more than a year after the second dose 3.
Immune Response to Delayed Third Dose
- A study published in 2007 found that 95.3% of healthy travelers who received their third dose of hepatitis B vaccine more than 1 year after the second dose had evidence of sero-protection (anti-HBs titre >10 UI/L) 3.
- This suggests that a delayed third dose can still elicit a strong immune response, even after a prolonged interval between the second and third doses.
Long-Term Immunogenicity
- Another study published in 2016 found that antibodies against hepatitis B persisted up to 15 years after vaccination, with geometric mean concentration (GMC) remaining above the seropositivity cut-off value 4.
- This indicates that the immune response to hepatitis B vaccination can be long-lasting, providing protection against the virus for many years.
Relevance to Your Situation
- Given that you completed doses one and two in 2007, it is likely that you are still due for your third dose, regardless of the timing 3, 4.
- However, it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best course of action and to assess your individual immune response to the vaccine.