Newborn Hepatitis B Vaccination Recommended!
The NJ Acting Health Commissioner and the Northeast Public Health Collaboration issue a statement recommending one dose of the hepatitis B vaccine for newborns.
“All parents want their baby to thrive. Hepatitis B is a serious risk and can cause lifelong health complications. We can protect ourselves against these risks by vaccinating our babies at birth in the hospital and early in their lives. The hepatitis B vaccine at birth has saved millions of people from developing chronic liver disease, which is why pediatricians have recommended this vaccination schedule since 1991.” – Acting Commissioner Jeffrey A. Brown & Northeast Public Health Collaborative Statement
TRENTON, NJ –
“The Northeast Public Health Collaboration (“The Collaboration”) has reviewed relevant scientific information and medical professional guidance related to the hepatitis B vaccine among newborns.
The Northeast Collaborative continues to recommend that all newborns receive a dose of the hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours of birth. Newborns of biological parents who test positive for hepatitis B infection or whose vaccination status is unknown should be vaccinated within 12 hours of birth. In addition, all children should complete their full vaccination series by 18 months of age.
These recommendations align with the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Recommended Immunization Schedule for Children and Adolescents and reflect a consensus statement from the Northeast Public Health Collaborative. We hope the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) will join us in these recommendations.
We encourage the public to consult with qualified healthcare professionals and physicians and to rely on trusted medical sources when making decisions about their health or the health of their children. We also urge caution when sharing or acting on unverified health claims.
The Northeast Public Health Collaboration is a voluntary coalition of regional public health agencies working together to share experiences, improve coordination, enhance capacity, strengthen regional preparedness, and protect evidence-based public health in our jurisdictions.
