Seroprotection following hepatitis B vaccination in health care workers at a dental teaching hospital in south India: an observational study

Objective: To evaluate the serological response to hepatitis B vaccination among health care workers (HCWs) in a dental teaching institution in South India and to assess factors influencing seroprotection. Methods: This observational cohort study included 217 HCWs from a dental teaching hospital. Participants received the recombinant hepatitis B vaccine according to the standard three-dose schedule (0, 1, and 6 months). Anti-hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs) titers were measured two months after completion of vaccination using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Seroprotection was defined as anti-HBs ≥10 mIU/mL. Associations between seroprotection and demographic variables, including age, gender, ethnicity, and number of vaccine doses, were analyzed using chi-square and independent t-tests. Results: Among the participants, 203 (93.5%) completed the three-dose vaccination schedule. The overall seroprotection rate was 89.2% in the three-dose group and 85.7% in the two-dose group, with no statistically significant difference (p=0.691). Younger participants (≤30 years) demonstrated significantly higher seroprotection rates (p=0.034) and higher mean anti-HBs titers (p=0.049). No significant differences were observed between males and females (p=0.501). Seroprotection varied significantly across ethnic groups, with Malaysian participants showing the highest response rates (p=0.05). Conclusion: Although hepatitis B vaccination provides substantial protection among HCWs, a proportion of individuals remain non-seroprotected despite completing the recommended vaccination schedule. Age and ethnicity significantly influence vaccine response. These findings highlight the importance of post-vaccination antibody monitoring and the need for targeted revaccination strategies in high-risk populations.