Response to Hepatitis B Vaccine in Celiac Disease Patients

Celiac disease and infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) are very prevalent worldwide and carry a high morbidity rate. It has been recently shown that patients with celiac disease very often fail to develop immunity after standard vaccination for HBV during infancy. In this study, we will evaluate whether a second vaccination series via a different route of administration (into the skin rather than the muscle) results in a better immunological response in celiac patients. Eligible patients will be randomized to receive a 3-dose vaccination series into the skin or to the muscle. Rate of responders and level of immunity will be compared. This study will facilitate better protection of celiac patients to this potentially deadly virus.