Findings from a research presented at the annual IDWeek conference in Washington revealed that three doses of the HEPLISAV-B vaccine offer complete protection to HIV-positive persons who have never received the vaccine or been exposed to the hepatitis B virus (HBV).

The researchers examined the three-dose course of HEPLISAV-B in 38 locations across the US, South Africa, and Thailand in 68 HIV-positive people.

None of the individuals had been immunized against HBV or had any indication that they had had the disease; instead, they were receiving antiretroviral medication to prevent infection with retroviruses like HIV. The trial participants received two more intramuscular injections of the HEPLISAV-B vaccine after receiving the initial dose of 0.5 milliliters (mL).

Long-term vaccination efficacy is correlated with high antibody levels. The study found that every participant attained seroprotection, with anti-HBV surface antibodies (HBsAbs) levels above 1000 mIU/mL in 88% of them. 94.4% of subjects had seroprotection eight weeks after the second dose, which rose to 98.5% by week 24 before the third treatment.

The most frequent adverse reactions following vaccination were soreness at the injection site, malaise, exhaustion, muscular aches, and headaches.

(Source: https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/health/3-dose-hepatitis-b-vaccine-fully-protects-adults-with-hiv-study-443463)