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Barash et al¹ present survey and serologic testing results for antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs) levels in a small convenience sample of health care workers (HCWs). The authors relied on questionnaire responses alone to determine vaccination status, dates of vaccination, and results of postvaccination testing. Based on their findings, they recommend periodic monitoring of anti-HBs levels and booster vaccinations to maintain protective antibody levels among HCWs after claiming that "there are no universal recommendations for monitoring immune status and the need for booster doses of vaccine."¹ We would like to summarize and provide the rationale underlying the current hepatitis B vaccination and postvaccination testing guidelines for HCWs that are recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.²

For HCWs, postvaccination serologic testing for anti-HBs is only recommended 1 to 2 months after completion of the primary series. Responders (anti-HBs level 10 mIU/mL) are protected against hepatitis B. Nonresponders . . . [Full Text of this Article]