Methods : A systematic review was performed. The main outcomes were prevalence of anti-hepatits B antibodies ≥ 10 mIU/mL after primary or booster vaccination. Factors potentially influencing protection were assessed in an adjusted random-effects meta-analysis model by age for both outcomes. Results of both meta-analyses were combined in a prognostic model.

Results : Forty-six studies reporting on the anti-hepatits B antibodies ≥ 10 mIU/mL 5 to 20 years after primary immunization and 29 on booster response were identified. The adjusted meta-analyses identified maternal carrier status (odds ratio [OR] : 2.37 [1.11 ; 5.08]), lower vaccine dosage than presently recommended (OR : 0.14 [0.06 ; 0.30]) and gap time between last and preceding dose of the primary vaccine series (OR : 0.44 [0.22 ; 0.86]) as determinants for persistence of anti-hepatits B antibodies ≥ 10. A lower vaccine dosage was also associated with failure to respond to booster (OR : 0.20 [0.10 ; 0.38]). The prognostic model predicted long-term protection of 90% [77% ; 100%] at the age of 17 years for offspring of noncarrier mothers vaccinated with a presently recommended dose and vaccination schedule.