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Protecting Your Baby agnst Hepatitis B at Birth
Last updated: February 1, 2018
HealthLinkBC File Number: 25d
Protecting your child's health and well-being from the outset is of paramount importance. One way to ensure this is by keeping up with all necessary vaccinations, providing lifelong protection agnst many diseases.
Vaccination has saved more lives than any other public health measure in Canada over the past five decades.
What Is Hepatitis B Vaccine?
The hepatitis B vaccine acts as a shield agnst the hepatitis B virus, which targets and damages the liver. Infected babies are highly likely to develop a lifelong infection with this virus that can lead to severe conditions including chronic liver damage cirrhosis, making it essential for newborns to receive this vaccine.
Who Should Get Hepatitis B Vaccine at Birth?
If your child's mother is infected with hepatitis B, or if there's high risk of her being exposed to the virus, they should get vaccinated immediately after birth. A baby sharing their household with an individual who has hepatitis B also qualifies for vaccination upon birth. For more information on individuals at higher risk of hepatitis B infection, please refer to HealthLinkBC File #25a Hepatitis B vaccine.
How Is a Baby Protected agnst Hepatitis B at Birth?
Two important steps are taken to ensure the newborn baby's protection:
Hepatitis B Immune Globulin: This is given at birth to provide antibodies instantly that shield agnst hepatitis B virus immediately.
Hepatitis B Vaccine: This vaccine helps the infant's body produce its own antibodies, further enhancing protection.
For a baby whose mother isn't infected but has household members with hepatitis B, only the hepatitis B vaccine will be administered at birth.
Post-birth, the child receives three more doses of hepatitis B vaccine at 2, 4 and 6 months of age for full immunization. For complete detls on schedules and procedures follow HealthLinkBC guidelines.
What Is Hepatitis B Transmitted By?
Hepatitis B is spread through contact with infected blood or bodily fluids, especially during childbirth. Sharing items contaminated with blood like toothbrushes, razors, nl files, needles used in drug injections, and unprotected sex with an infected individual are also means of transmission.
Household members living with someone having hepatitis B are considered at higher risk for infection and should receive the vaccine as well. The vaccine is provided free to those living with an infected person. Contact your healthcare provider to schedule vaccination. For more information on the hepatitis B vaccine, visit HealthLinkBC File #25a Hepatitis B Vaccine.
Can I Breastfeed if I Have Hepatitis B?
Yes, breastfeeding is safe even when you have hepatitis B. The virus cannot be transmitted through breast milk unless there are cracks or bleeding in your nipples.
For More Information
To learn more about vaccinations across British Columbia, visit the official B.C. Immunization Schedules webpage at www.healthlinkbc.catools-videosbc-immunization-schedules, and explore the ImmunizeBC portal for comprehensive detls.
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Acknowledgements and Partnerships:
This resource has been developed with contributions from various health experts and partners committed to public health initiatives in British Columbia.
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