Hepatitis B Vaccine
- A blood test can show if someone is infected with the Hepatitis virus.
- Pregnant women who are infected with the virus can pass the virus to their newborn.
- All pregnant women should be tested for the virus.
Hepatitis B is a disease caused by a virus that attacks the liver and can cause serious health problems. A person who is infected with the virus may not show any signs or symptoms of being infected but can still pass the disease on to other people. In babies, hepatitis B can be life-threatening.
Hepatitis B virus is spread through contact with blood and body fluids of
an infected person.
A baby can become infected during birth from an infected mother. Sharing
personal items such as razors or toothbrushes can infect you.
There is presently no cure for hepatitis B, but the hepatitis B virus vaccine
can prevent it.
The vaccine is given in three stages. Please check with your
pediatrician or health care provider regarding the schedule for this
vaccine. It is recommended that all infants receive the hepatitis B vaccine.
The Hepatitis vaccine is safe. It is important that you consent to this vaccination for your newborn and that your child complete the vaccine series of three shots.