Factors affecting effectiveness of vaccination against hepatitis B virus in hemodialysis patients

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major global health problem. Despite the success of the general measures against blood transmitted infections in hemodialysis (HD) units, the prevalence of HBV infection among the HD patients is still high. Thus vaccination against HBV is indicating in this population. However, compared with the general population the seroprotection achieved in HD patients remains relatively low, at about 70%. In this review patient, HD procedure and vaccine-associated factors that affect the efficacy of HBV vaccination are analyzed. Also alternative routes of HBV vaccine administration as well as new and more immunogenic vaccine formulations are discussed. However, besides scientific progress, vigilance of HD physicians and staff regarding the general measures against the transmission of blood borne infections and the vaccination against HBV is also required for reducing the prevalence of this viral infection.