Does it matter which adult HepB vaccine I use? Are there differences among the recommended products?

There are 3 different HepB vaccines currently available and approved for adults in the United States, plus the Twinrix (GSK) combination HepA-HepB vaccine. While all of the HepB vaccines licensed for adults are acceptable and recommended, with no preference among them expressed by ACIP, some of the differences among them are outlined below. Clinicians choosing among products may find it useful to consider these differences when making choices for their patient population.

The schedule for Heplisav-B (Dynavax) is 2 doses, given at least one month apart, while all other products require a 3-dose series given over a period of 6 months. Twinrix protects adults against both hepatitis A and B in 3 doses given over 6 months, if vaccination against both is desired. Heplisav-B shows higher seroconversion rates among some groups that traditionally respond poorly to HepB; the immune response to Engerix-B (GSK) and Recombivax-HB (Merck) declines gradually after age 40, and may be lower in people who are obese or who have diabetes.

Any available HepB vaccine may be used when vaccinating during pregnancy.