Seroconversion rates after hepatitis-B vaccination in children

Background: Hepatitis- B infection is one of the infectious diseases that transmits via blood transfiosion, blood product, injection, mother to fetus and sexual contact. Protective anti hepatitis-B titer are observed in more than 90% of healthy children. The aim of this study was to evaluate seroconversion rates in children who received routine vaccination program.Methods: A cross sectional study was designed. 196 children who received routine hepatitis-B vaccine (at birth, 2 and 6 months old) were selected. Anti hepatitis-B titer was measured using ELISA method in 6-7 years old children. Data was analyzed using chi-square and fisher exact tests.Results: 69 % of all participants (98 boys and 98 girls) showed protective antibody titer (71.4% in girl and 67% in boys). There was no significant correlation between sex, weight and BMI and antibody response. Conclusion: Seroconversion rate after hepatitis–B vaccination was lower than the semilar studies. The etiology of low seroconversion rate needs to do further study in Kermanshah.