HMN 2026: How Birth dose of hepatitis B vaccination is safe and effective

Hepatitis B vaccination at birth is safe and effective compared with a delayed first dose, according to research published online Feb. 5 in Pediatrics.

Angela K. Ulrich, Ph.D., M.P.H., from the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, and colleagues conducted a comprehensive review of the evidence of the safety, immunogenicity, efficacy, and effectiveness of the birth dose of hepatitis B vaccination and a delayed first dose.

The researchers found strong evidence for the safety and effectiveness of the birth dose; a delayed first dose was not associated with improved safety or effectiveness. No evidence was found to support postvaccination serology use for clinical decision-making. A 99% reduction in pediatric hepatitis B virus infections resulted from infant vaccination; no evidence was found to support a change in vaccine recommendations, but potential health consequences were identified.

“This review found no benefit of a delayed first dose for short- or long-term AEs (adverse events), vaccine efficacy, effectiveness, or long-term protection compared with vaccination at birth,” the authors write. “The birth dose has served to close real-world gaps in prenatal screening and follow-up that left infants vulnerable to infection, including postnatal infections, errors across the continuum of care, missed opportunities for vaccination, gaps in early pediatric care, and equitable access.”

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