Common Newborn Concerns: Is This Normal?
As a new parent, if you’re not sure what to expect, some of the things your baby does may be…
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that newborns weighing at least 2,000 grams (about 4 pounds, 6 ounces) receive their first dose of the hepatitis B (HepB) vaccine within 24 hours of birth.
While the AAP has long recommended hepatitis B vaccination for newborns, updated guidance emphasizes the importance of administering the first dose within the first day of life whenever possible.
Hepatitis B vaccination has dramatically reduced the number of infections since it became widely available. However, some infants in the United States still acquire hepatitis B during pregnancy or childbirth each year. These infants are at high risk of developing chronic hepatitis B infection, which can lead to serious liver disease, including cirrhosis and liver cancer, later in life.
Pediatrics Northwest strongly supports vaccination and the protection it provides against serious diseases. If you have questions or concerns about the hepatitis B vaccine or your child’s immunization schedule, our providers are happy to discuss them with you.
Read the entire story on the AAP News & Journal Gateway site.
Learn more about immunizations & vaccinations at Pediatrics Northwest.
Related Stories
Single Dose RSV Injection for Infants (Beyfortus)
Pediatrics Northwest is excited to announce that we are now offering a new RSV prevention option, nirsevimab (Beyfortus). This is…