Comparison of a rapid hepatitis B immunization schedule to the standard schedule for adults.

We report a prospective, randomized, single-blinded trial comparing immunogenicity of rapid (0, 1, and 2 months) versus standard schedule (0, 1, 6 months) hepatitis B vaccinations of healthy adults with recombinant hepatitis B vaccine (Engerix-B, 20 micrograms i.m.) (230 of 234) negative to hepatitis B were randomized and completed the study. Groups were similar in age, weight, race, and obesity rate, but the rapid schedule group had more women. Both groups reached > or = 100 mIU/mL at a similar rate, but a higher seroprotection rate at > or = 500 mIU/mL was reached by the standard schedule. No demographic variables influenced the effect of dose schedule on anti-hepatitis B titer. We conclude that rapid schedule vaccination gives a rate that is quicker than, and identical to, the rate of seroprotection of the standard schedule vaccination.