For Families & Patients Pregnancy, Children & Hepatitis B
FAST FACT
All newborn babies should receive the hepatitis B vaccine soon after birth.
Is my baby at risk for catching hepatitis B?
Approximately 1.4 million Americans carry this virus in their blood, many without signs or knowledge that they are infected. Many pregnant women who are carriers of the hepatitis B virus can pass the infection on to their newborn babies at the time of delivery. To protect babies from contracting this disease, which can lead to cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) and liver cancer, all pregnant women should be tested for hepatitis B.
When should my newborn baby receive the vaccine?
All newborn babies should receive the hepatitis B vaccine soon after birth. Babies born to mothers who are infected with hepatitis B should receive an injection of a special immune globulin, in addition to the regular vaccine, within 12 hours of birth. Immune globulin provides the baby with immediate, temporary protection until the vaccine produces antibodies to prevent infection.
Why should my child be vaccinated against hepatitis B?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that all children, adolescents and teenagers (newborn to 18 years old) be vaccinated against hepatitis B. Exposure to infected blood from a cut or nosebleed or a shared razor, toothbrush, or needle can be enough to infect an unprotected child or adult. The hepatitis B vaccine can be given at the same time as many of the other required childhood immunizations. For full protection against hepatitis B, usually three injections are required. The second injection is given one month after the first, and the third injection is given six months after the first. It is important to receive the full series in order to be protected from hepatitis B.
What if I am pregnant?
If you are pregnant, ask your doctor to test you for hepatitis B. You may be infected and not know it. If you are infected you could pass that infection on to your newborn.
What if I have hepatitis B?
If you are infected with the hepatitis B virus, tell your doctor. You can avoid passing the virus to your baby at the time of delivery by being sure that your baby gets a special dose of immune globulin and the hepatitis B vaccine. Talk to your doctor. Ask about how to avoid infecting your child and ask about what treatment options are available to you.
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