Hepatitis B (Hep B) infection is a very serious health problem for newborns. Mothers who are infected with Hep B can pass Hep B onto their baby while giving birth. Ninety percent of babies infected with Hep B become chronic carriers of the disease and are at a much higher risk of developing serious liver problems including liver scarring and liver cancer.
When an expectant mother is diagnosed with Hep B CCDPH works closely with healthcare providers to insure that the expectant mother receives the proper medical care needed to prevent the spread of Hep B to her unborn baby. Babies born to Hep B mothers require Hep B immunoglobulin and the first dose of Hepatitis B vaccine within 12 hours of birth.
