Should my baby get the Hep B vaccine?
For these reasons, all young children are recommended to receive the hepatitis B vaccine. The best time to receive the first dose is right after birth. This will ensure that the child will be protected as early as possible from catching hepatitis B from people who don’t know that they are infected with the virus.
Why do babies not need Hep B vaccine?
Arushi Bedi. A recent multi-centre study done in North India shows that newborns are protected at birth by natural antibodies to Hepatitis-B and therefore do not require a vaccine protecting them against the virus immediately after birth.
Can you decline the hepatitis B vaccine for newborn?
For instance, sometimes the hepatitis B vaccination is delayed if a baby is premature, has a low birth weight, or is medically challenged. Still, parents always have the option to refuse a vaccination if they want to. But the risks associated with a hepatitis B infection far outweigh the risks of the vaccine.
When did Hep B vaccine become routine for newborns?
Hepatitis B vaccine was first recommended for administration to all infants in 1991 by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) as the primary focus of a strategy to eliminate hepatitis B virus (HBV) transmission in the United States (1).
Can you delay the Hep B vaccine?
For all ages, when the hepatitis B vaccine schedule is interrupted, the vaccine series does not need to be restarted. If a 3-dose series is interrupted after the first dose, the second dose should be administered as soon as possible, and the second and third doses should be separated by an interval of at least 8 weeks.
Should you vaccinate your newborn?
Yes, even breastfed babies need to be protected with vaccines at the recommended ages. The immune system is not fully developed at birth, which puts newborns at greater risk for infections.
How do babies get HBV?
The hepatitis B virus is spread from person to person through blood and body fluids, such as blood, semen, vaginal secretions, or saliva. Infants may also get the disease if they are born to a mother who has the virus. Infected children often spread the virus to other children if there is frequent contact.
Is Hep B an STD?
No. Hepatitis B is a sexually transmitted disease, but it is spread in other ways, too. This is a hardy virus that can exist on almost any surface for up to one month. You can get infected through contact with an infected person’s blood or body fluids.