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Most countries are integrating hepatitis B (HB) vaccine into their routine immunization schedules. The primary series consists of 3 doses given over 6 to 12 months, but current practice for booster doses varies widely. An industry-sponsored European committee with expertise in vaccines, HB control programs, and vaccine policy reviewed published evidence about the duration of protective immunity. After considering epidemiological studies, the biological basis of the immune response, and results of long-term surveillance in vaccinated populations, they developed a consensus statement about the need for booster doses.
Studies suggest that HB vaccine, including that given in infancy, confers long-lived protection against clinically important inf…