A 28-year-old healthcare worker presents 6 weeks after needlestick injury from a Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive patient. She received 3 doses of recombinant Hepatitis B vaccine in the past and post-vaccination anti-HBs titer is 55 IU/L. What is the BEST management now?
- A No action needed — she is adequately protected with anti-HBs ≥10 IU/L ✓
- B Administer HBIG immediately and restart the vaccine series
- C Test HBsAg and anti-HBc now; if negative administer one booster vaccine dose
- D Administer HBIG and one booster dose immediately
Correct answer: A. No action needed — she is adequately protected with anti-HBs ≥10 IU/L
Explanation
Post-vaccination anti-HBs ≥10 IU/L (WHO threshold) indicates adequate immunological memory and long-term protection against Hepatitis B infection. This healthcare worker has anti-HBs of 55 IU/L (>10 IU/L), confirming vaccine response. In the event of needlestick exposure from HBsAg-positive source, a known responder (documented anti-HBs ≥10 IU/L at any point after vaccination) requires no additional immunoprophylaxis. Non-responders (<10 IU/L) would need HBIG ± revaccination.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.