Transmission of hepatitis B virus from mother to infant commonly occurs during pregnancy and at birth when the mother is positive for the hepatitis B virus. Infection in the infant may lead to severe long-term illness. Transmission to the infant can be prevented in a high percentage of cases when the infant is treated at delivery and during the early months thereafter.
The public health nurse educates the family and works with the physician before birth, when the positive mother’s hepatitis B status is identified during pregnancy, to reinforce the following steps needed to be taken at and after delivery.
The infant is given hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) within twelve (12) hours of birth and one dose of hepatitis B vaccine.
This is followed by two (2) more additional doses of vaccine at one (1) month and six (6) months of age.
Testing for immune response is required to confirm immunity. This is done one (1) to three (3) months after the last dose of hepatitis B administration, based on vaccine type and schedule.
For more information about the Perinatal Hepatitis B Prevention Program please call 708-492-2090.