Babies are given the hepatitis B vaccine primarily to protect them from acquiring hepatitis B infection at birth or in early childhood, which can lead to severe and chronic liver disease later in life. The vaccine is highly effective when given within 24 hours of birth and is a critical step to prevent perinatal transmission of the virus, especially from mothers who may be infected but unaware.
Why Vaccinate Newborns Against Hepatitis B
- Hepatitis B is a viral infection that attacks the liver and can cause chronic liver disease, liver cancer, or even death.
- Newborns can acquire hepatitis B during birth if their mother is infected, with a 90% chance of developing chronic infection if untreated.
- Chronic hepatitis B infection acquired early in life is associated with severe complications like cirrhosis and liver cancer.
- Vaccinating at birth and completing the vaccine series in infancy results in 98% of healthy infants achieving full immunity.
- Universal newborn vaccination also protects infants whose mothers’ hepatitis B status is unknown or was not tested during prenatal care.
Public Health Impact
- The hepatitis B vaccine given soon after birth has helped to drastically reduce the number of perinatal hepatitis B infections and chronic liver disease.
- Without the birth dose, there would likely be more cases of hepatitis B infection acquired at birth or early childhood, reversing significant public health progress.
- The vaccine is safe, well-tested, and recommended by major health organizations including the CDC and WHO.
In summary, giving babies the hepatitis B vaccine at birth is a crucial preventive measure to protect them from a serious lifelong infection that can cause fatal liver damage later in life. It provides an early safety net against transmission and supports long-term health.
