The hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccine, routinely provided to newborns since 1991, remains a safe and effective way of preventing serious illness of the liver. The incidence of pediatric HBV has decreased 99 percent since the introduction of the vaccine.
In alignment with the California Department of Public Health and the West Coast Health Alliance, County public health officials continue to recommend HBV immunization be given within 24 hours of birth.
Before the HBV vaccination became routine, about 18,000 U.S. children got sick with HBV by the age of 10. It is a highly infectious disease that has no cure. Cases are rising while vaccinations are falling in San Diego County.
The infection can be lifelong. Most people with HBV are unaware they have it, which makes it more common to be passed on to babies during birth.
HBV can cause scarring of the liver that can lead to liver failure, cancer and even death.
HBV is spread through contact with bodily fluids or blood, as small as traces on a toothbrush. It can spread even when the person infected does not have any symptoms. The HBV vaccine is the best way to prevent an HBV infection and for newborns, it helps protect the baby in a time when their immune system is not yet fully developed.
“The most effective way that HBV infections have been reduced nationwide is providing the vaccine to all infants shortly after birth,” said Dr. Sayone Thihalolipavan, M.D., M.P.H., County public health officer. “When infected at birth or early childhood, HBV is more likely to become chronic and more severe than in those who get infected as adults. Early prevention is really important and potentially lifesaving.”
While HBV screening is part of expectant mothers’ prenatal care, gaps in screening may expose newborns to HBV at birth.
Following a dose at birth, the next dose of HBV is given when babies are between one and two months and again between six and 18 months.
For more information about HBV and recommended vaccine schedules visit the County’s HBV webpage.
