Protect Your Baby: Prevent Hepatitis B Infection
Hepatitis B is a serious liver infection caused by the Hepatitis B virus (HBV). It is a viral infection that attacks the liver and can cause both acute and chronic diseases. Hepatitis B is primarily transmitted through contact with the blood or other body fluids of an infected person. This can happen through activities such as unprotected sex, sharing needles, or from mother to baby during birth.
Chronic Hepatitis B can lead to severe liver damage, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. It is estimated that 1 in 4 people with chronic Hepatitis B will die from liver-related causes if untreated.
Hepatitis B Vaccination is Crucial for Your Baby
When a pregnant person has Hepatitis B, the virus can be passed to the baby during childbirth. If left untreated, this infection can lead to lifelong liver problems for the baby. Babies born to Hepatitis B-positive mothers are at a high risk of contracting the virus, with 90% of infants who become infected with Hepatitis B developing a chronic infection.
The Hepatitis B vaccine is the most effective way to prevent this. Early vaccination of the baby after birth can prevent transmission of the virus and ensure long-term protection.
How Hepatitis B Spreads
Hepatitis B is spread when the blood, semen, or other body fluids of an infected person come into contact with a person who is not infected. For pregnant people, the virus can pass to the baby during pregnancy or childbirth. Additionally, close household contact with someone who has Hepatitis B can also lead to transmission.
What Happens If Hepatitis B is Not Prevented?
If Hepatitis B is not prevented, it can lead to:
- Chronic liver disease
- Liver cancer
- Cirrhosis
- Premature birth
- Low birth weight
- Death shortly after birth
Babies born with Hepatitis B can develop serious complications, including:
- Deformed bones
- Severe anemia
- Enlarged liver and spleen
- Jaundice
- Brain and nerve problems (deafness, blindness, etc.)
- Meningitis
- Skin rashes
- Developmental delays
- Hearing loss
Hepatitis B Vaccine Schedule
To ensure your baby is protected, they should receive the following doses of the Hepatitis B vaccine:
- Birth Dose: Administered within 24 hours of birth.
- Second Dose: Between 1-2 months of age.
- Third Dose: Between 6-18 months of age.
If your baby weighs less than 2000 grams (4.4 pounds) at birth, the total vaccine series should include 4 doses.
Post-Vaccination Testing
It's important to confirm that your baby is protected against Hepatitis B after completing the vaccine series. Your baby should have a blood test called a Post-Vaccination Serologic Test (PVST) at 9-12 months of age to confirm protection. If the vaccine schedule was delayed, your baby should be tested 1-2 months after completing the series.
Treatment for Hepatitis B
If a pregnant person is diagnosed with Hepatitis B, early treatment is key. The baby should receive HBIG and the first dose of the vaccine within 12 hours of birth. After the vaccine series is completed, a blood test will confirm whether your baby is protected.
Can Hepatitis B be Cured?
While there is no cure for Hepatitis B, vaccination is the most effective preventive measure.
Once vaccinated, your baby will be protected from the serious risks of Hepatitis B.
Additional Resources
CDC: Hepatitis B Vaccine, Protect your baby for life
CDC: Hepatitis B Perinatal Vaccine Information
IDPH: Hepatitis B Information for Providers
