The choice of schedule depends on how fast protection is required but also should consider vaccine availability and also other vaccinations being given at similar times (eg: HPV).

Schedules are as follows:

  • Standard: 0, 1 and 6 months (3 doses)
  • Accelerated: 0, 1, 2 and 12 months (4 doses)
  • Ultra-Rapid: 0, 1 and 3 weeks and 12 months (4 doses)

Although these are the licensed intervals, any gap of more than a week between the 1st and
2nd injections and more than 2 weeks between 2 and 3 injections would be acceptable.

Young People – For those under 16 years, see WoS guidance: ‘Young people -
Common STIs and other genital infections in 12 to 15 year olds’

Hepatitis A protection - If dual vaccination for HAV/HBV is given as an Ultra-Rapid Schedule it will provide more rapid protection against Hepatitis B than other schedules but full protection against Hepatitis A will be provided later than with vaccines containing a higher dose of Hepatitis A (Havrix contains 1440iu Hepatitis A per vaccine, Twinrix contains 720iu Hepatitis A)

Incomplete vaccination – Evidence suggests that if vaccine courses are not completed in immunocompetent patients, the outstanding doses can be given 4 or more years later without the need to restart a 3 dose course. One or 2 doses of vaccine may provide immunity in 40% and over 90% of immunocompetent patients respectively.

 

Editorial Information

Last reviewed: 30/09/2022

Next review date: 30/09/2024

Author(s): West of Scotland Managed Clinical Network for Sexual Health Clinical Guidelines Group.

Version: 6.1