Why is hepatitis B given at birth?
Hepatitis B vaccine is given at birth to protect newborns from getting infected with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) from their mothers.
Infants are at high risk of acquiring HBV infection from their mothers during childbirth, especially if the mothers are carriers of the virus.
HBV infection can cause liver damage, cirrhosis, and liver cancer, and is particularly dangerous for infants as it can lead to chronic infection and long-term health complications.
Giving the hepatitis B vaccine to newborns shortly after birth is an effective way to prevent the transmission of HBV from mother to child.
The vaccine is safe and highly effective, and provides long-lasting protection against HBV infection. By vaccinating newborns, healthcare professionals can help to prevent the spread of HBV and reduce the number of cases of chronic HBV infection, cirrhosis, and liver cancer.
The hepatitis B vaccine is usually given as a series of three or four doses, starting at birth, with the second and third doses given at 1-2 months and 6-18 months of age, respectively. It is an important component of the recommended immunization schedule for infants and is strongly recommended by healthcare professionals.
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