Hep B vaccine at birth or wait

Hep B vaccine at birth or wait
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all infants receive the hepatitis B vaccine shortly after birth, ideally within 24 hours. 
This is because infants born to mothers who are carriers of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) are at high risk of acquiring the infection during childbirth. If an infant becomes infected with HBV, there is a high risk of developing chronic infection, which can lead to serious long-term health problems, such as liver damage, cirrhosis, and liver cancer.

Giving the hepatitis B vaccine at birth is an effective way to prevent transmission of HBV from mother to child. The vaccine is safe and highly effective, and provides long-lasting protection against HBV infection.

Delaying the administration of the hepatitis B vaccine until later in infancy or childhood can leave infants vulnerable to HBV infection during the period of delayed vaccination.

 The risk of developing chronic infection is highest for infants who are infected during the first year of life, so it is important to vaccinate infants as early as possible to provide maximum protection.

In summary, the CDC recommends that infants receive the hepatitis B vaccine shortly after birth to protect them from HBV infection. Delaying vaccination can leave infants vulnerable to infection and increase their risk of developing chronic infection.

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