The use of the super accelerated hepatitis B vaccination regimen in a north London sexual assault referral centre (SARC)

Abstract 

The super accelerated hepatitis B vaccination regimen was offered to survivors of sexual assault, attending the Haven Paddington, who were at possible risk of contracting the virus [Clinical Effectiveness Group. National Guideline on the Management of Adult Victims of Sexual Assault. Sex Trans Inf 2001;(Suppl. 1):S82–S84]. The uptake and completion rates of the vaccination over two time periods from March 2004 and January 2005 were audited, using 150 clients in each group. More clients accepted the initial vaccination at the time of the forensic medical examination in the second audit when compared with the first [80 clients (73%) and 73 clients (71%), respectively]. Similar numbers of clients completed the course during both study periods [34 clients (47%) and 30 clients (38%), respectively]. Of 65% of clients who had their hepatitis B surface antibody titre checked at three months during the first audit, 77% had protective levels [>10mIU/ml]. There was little difference following the second audit, where 75% of those who had their antibody checked were found to have protective levels. Our study has shown that this client group accepted the super accelerated hepatitis B vaccination regimen. Early serological response compares well with published data for this vaccination regimen in other settings.

Keywords: Hepatitis B, Super accelerated vaccination regimen, Anti HBs levels >10mIU/ml