Efficiency of the Hepatitis B Sci-B-Vac Vaccine in HIV Positive Patients

Efficiency of the Novel Hepatitis B Vaccine Sci-B-Vac in HIV Positive Patients, a Prospective Cohort Study

HBV vaccination is of paramount importance among HIV positive persons due to an increased risk of infection and disease progression. The most widely used ENGERIX B vaccine reaches a lower rate of vaccination (20-70%) among HIV positive vaccinees (compared to over 90% in the normal population). Sci-B-Vac is novel vaccine containing 3 antigens and is therefore more immunogenic (as opposed to one in ENGERIX B). Its use has been associated with higher and more rapid vaccination rates. Therefore, it has a theoretical advantage in HIV positive individuals.

A cohort of 100 HIV positive, HBV negative individuals who have not been vaccinated against HBV before will be prospectively given 3 doses of Sci-B-Vac at 0, 1 and 6 months. HBV antibodies will be checked one month after every dose given.

Inclusion Criteria:

• HBV negative
• HIV positive individuals
• Above the age of 18
• Treated at the TASMC Aids clinic, who have signed and informed consent and have never been vaccinated against HBV before

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pregnant women
• HBV positivity
• Previous HBV vaccination