Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices for Use of a Hepatitis B Vaccine with a Novel Adjuvant

• Published in: MMWR. Morbidity and mortality weekly report Vol. 67; no. 15; pp. 455 - 458
• Main Authors: Schillie, Sarah, Harris, Aaron, Link-Gelles, Ruth, Romero, José, Ward, John, Nelson, Noele
• Format: Journal Article Newsletter
• Language: English
• Published: United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 20.04.2018; U.S. Government Printing Office
• Subjects: Complications and side effects; Full Report; Hepatitis B; Hepatitis B vaccines; Infection; Medical research; Prevention; Vaccination
• ISSN: 0149-2195; 1545-861X; 1545-861X
• DOI: 10.15585/mmwr.mm6715a5

Hepatitis B (HepB) vaccination is the primary means of preventing infections and complications caused by hepatitis B virus (HBV). On February 21, 2018, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended Heplisav-B (HepB-CpG), a yeast-derived vaccine prepared with a novel adjuvant, administered as a 2-dose series (0, 1 month) for use in persons aged ≥18 years. The ACIP Hepatitis Vaccines Work Group conducted a systematic review of the evidence, including data from four randomized controlled trials assessing prevention of HBV infection and six randomized controlled trials assessing adverse events in adults. Seroprotective antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs) levels were achieved in 90.0%-100.0% of subjects receiving HepB-CpG (Dynavax Technologies Corporation), compared with 70.5%-90.2% of subjects receiving Engerix-B (GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals). The benefits of protection with 2 doses administered over 1 month make HepB-CpG an important option for prevention of HBV.