Why is it important to vaccinate a baby with the Hepatitis B (Hep B) vaccine, even if the mother perceives a low risk of infection?

From the Guidelines

I strongly recommend vaccinating your baby with the hepatitis B vaccine, even if you don't think they're at high risk, as it provides long-lasting protection against a serious liver infection that can cause lifelong problems. The hepatitis B vaccine is given as a series of shots, usually starting at birth with follow-up doses at 1-2 months and 6 months of age 1. This vaccine protects your baby from hepatitis B, which can spread through contact with infected blood or body fluids, and many people who have it don't know they're infected. Children can accidentally come into contact with the virus through everyday situations like sharing toothbrushes or from cuts and scrapes while playing.

Key Points to Consider

• The vaccine is very safe and works best when given early in life, providing protection that will keep your child safe as they grow up and might encounter more risks 1.
• According to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, universal vaccination of infants beginning at birth provides a critical safeguard and prevents infection among infants born to HBsAg-positive mothers not identified prenatally 1.
• The 3-dose HepB vaccine series produces a protective antibody response in approximately 95% of healthy infants overall, and vaccination produces seroprotection in 98% of healthy term infants 1.
• Getting the vaccine now means your child won't need to worry about this serious infection later in life, and it has been shown that protection against acute symptomatic and chronic HBV infection persists for 30 years or more among immunocompetent persons who originally responded to HepB vaccine 1.

From the FDA Drug Label

The estimated lifetime risk of HBV infection in the United States varies from almost 100% for the highest-risk groups to less than 20% for the population as a whole. Hepatitis B infection can have serious consequences including acute massive hepatic necrosis, chronic active hepatitis, and cirrhosis of the liver. Up to 90% of neonates and 6% to 10% of adults who are infected in the United States will become hepatitis B virus carriers. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that there are approximately 1 to 1.25 million chronic carriers of hepatitis B virus in the United States. Those patients who become chronic carriers can infect others and are at increased risk of developing primary hepatocellular carcinoma. According to the CDC, the hepatitis B vaccine is recognized as the first anti-cancer vaccine because it can prevent primary liver cancer.

It is important to vaccinate your baby with the Hep B vaccine because:

• Hepatitis B infection can have serious consequences, such as liver damage and liver cancer.
• Even if you don't think you are at high risk, your baby can still get infected, and the consequences can be severe.
• The vaccine is recognized as the first anti-cancer vaccine and can prevent primary liver cancer.
• The CDC recommends vaccination of all persons from birth to age 18, regardless of risk factors.
• Vaccination can provide protection against hepatitis B infection and its serious consequences 2.

From the Research

Importance of Hepatitis B Vaccination

• Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection can cause liver cancer, liver cirrhosis, and other serious health problems 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
• The HBV vaccine is a safe and effective way to prevent HBV infection and its complications, including liver cancer 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
• Vaccination against HBV has been shown to reduce the incidence of liver cancer and other HBV-related health problems in children and young adults 3, 4, 6

Protection Against Liver Cancer

• The HBV vaccine has been shown to offer 72% protection against liver cancer, and 70% protection against liver cancer deaths 6
• The vaccine also provides 64% protection against deaths associated with liver diseases 6
• These protective effects have been demonstrated in long-term studies, with follow-up periods of up to 37 years 6

Why Vaccinate Even if Not at High Risk

• HBV infection can occur in anyone, regardless of their risk factors 5, 7
• Vaccination is the best way to prevent HBV infection and its complications, and is recommended for all infants and children 4, 5, 7
• The HBV vaccine is safe and effective, and has been shown to be highly effective in preventing HBV infection and its complications 3, 4, 5, 6, 7