Response to HBV vaccine in relation to vaccine dose and anti-HCV positivity: a New South Wales correctional facilities' study

Currently, about two-thirds of inmates in NSW correctional facilities have a history of injection drug use, and about half have serological evidence of exposure to hepatitis C virus. The introduction of an accelerated hepatitis B vaccination program (0-1-2 months) in 1998, using a 20 mug/dose vaccine was necessitated by the need to vaccinate eligible inmates in this high-risk environment characterised by rapid client mobility. Since 1999, both 10 and 20 mug doses of vaccine were introduced. We found that sero-response rates were not significantly influenced by HCV antibody status, but were significantly lower in cohorts of inmates vaccinated with the 10 mug dose of vaccine. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.