[Vaccination against the hepatitis B virus in alcoholics]

Background: The risk of hepatitis B virus infections is high among alcohol abusers, and vaccination has been evaluated in previous studies. However, the response has been low with the usual doses and schedules.
Methods: In the present controlled trail a group of 14 alcohol abusers was vaccinated following a rapid schedule with a dose twice the usual one. Their response was compared to that of a second group of 16 alcohol abusers vaccinated in the usual way. Both groups were compared to a third one consisting of 30 healthy individuals.
Results: At the end of the program 83% of the healthy controls responded, with a mean anti-HBs titer of 1130.3 mU/ml. The anti-HBs titer achieved in both groups of alcohol abusers was lower that in healthy individuals (p less than 0.05). 56% of the alcohol abusers vaccinated with the usual program responded (with a mean titer of 80.1 mU/ml), and so did 66% of those vaccinated with high doses (mean titer 63.3 mU/ml).
Conclusions: These results indicate that the poor response of alcohol abusers to HBV vaccine does not improve with increased doses and a rapid schedule.