Q: If
a healthcare worker did not have a titer drawn after the HBV vaccine was
completed, how long afterward could we assume that he/she is a
responder/non-responder? Many titers wane after years and are no longer
detectable. How do we know the worker continues to be protected?
A: If
the healthcare worker did not have a titer, you must assume non-responder
status. Regarding testing, and boosters, booster doses of the hepatitis B vaccine
are not necessary, and periodic testing to monitor antibody concentrations
after completion of the vaccine series is not recommended. Any blood or body
fluid exposure sustained by an unvaccinated, susceptible person should lead to
the initiation of the hepatitis B vaccine series.
