Assessment of Hepatitis B Vaccination Coverage and Immune Response Among Medical Laboratory Science Students at a University in Rivers State, South South Nigeria

Medical laboratory science students are exposed to hepatitis B virus through contact with patient samples, making vaccination and serological confirmation of immunity essential components of student occupational health protection. This study assessed hepatitis B vaccination coverage and antibody response among medical laboratory science students at Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, South South Nigeria. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 200 undergraduate and postgraduate students. Blood samples were collected for measurement of anti-hepatitis B surface antibody by quantitative ELISA to determine immune status. Vaccination history was documented through student health records and self-reported questionnaires. A titre above 10 mIU/mL was considered protective. Complete three-dose vaccination coverage was documented in 62.0% of students. Anti-HBs titres above 10 mIU/mL were present in 71.0% of those with complete vaccination history, indicating protective immunity. Low or undetectable titres despite vaccination were found in 29.0% of vaccinated students, suggesting poor immune response or vaccine-induced waning immunity. Unvaccinated students had anti-HBs seroconversion in only 5.1%, reflecting natural immunity. First-year students had significantly lower vaccination rates than senior students. The study recommends mandatory three-dose HBV vaccination for all incoming laboratory science students before clinical posting, post-vaccination serological testing to confirm immunity, and booster doses for non-responders at Rivers State University and comparable institutions in South South Nigeria. Keywords: hepatitis B vaccination, anti-HBs, immune response, laboratory science students, Rivers State