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Vaccine-induced immunity against hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection often wanes with time. Still, current guidelines do not recommend boosters for adults who are at ongoing risk for exposure (e.g., healthcare workers). Researchers correlated levels of antibody against hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs) with time since receipt of HBV vaccination among 159 healthcare workers at the NIH who were vaccinated as adults. The group was divided about equally among those who had been vaccinated 10 to 15 years previously, 16 to 20 years previously, and >20 years previously.
The proportions of healthcare workers with protective anti-HBs levels were similar in the three groups (82%, 74%, and 76%, respectively). Both older participants and those who we…