Q: According to the paediatric immunisation chart, the Hepatitis vaccine is given at 6 weeks, 10 weeks and 14 weeks. But in adults it is given at 0 months, 1 month & then 6 months. Why is there a difference in the adult and infant immunisation? How much immunity do 3 injections of Hepatitis vaccine give? Is the booster necessary?

A:Both schedules that you mention are almost equally effective; the 6, 10 and 14 weeks in children is chosen for logistics and convenience of combining with other childhood immunisations, namely three doses of DPT. The Indian Academy of Paediatrics, for children also approves of the alternative of 0, 1 and 6 months. In the current stage of knowledge, three doses of Hepatitis B vaccine in children and young adults without any disease compromising immunity provide life long immunity.