As nurses, you have a vital role in perinatal hepatitis B prevention. Some of the latest recommendations for nursing care include:
• Review the maternal HBsAg (antigen) original test result for each maternal admission. If unknown, obtain a STAT order from admitting provider.
• If pregnant delivery parent is HBsAg (antigen) positive, alert the nursery personnel.
• Following your hospital infectious disease protocol for care of infant.
• Administer hepatitis B vaccine and hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) as indicated within 12 hours of birth.
• Educate the parent in hepatitis B and its prevention in a language appropriate for parent. Hepatitis B Virus Education Resources for Patients | CDC
• Report the delivery to your Perinatal Hepatitis B Nurse Specialist HERE.
Watch:
PHB 2024 DOH SESSION for NURSES REV 1 24 002
Helpful links for nurses:
- Procedures to Prevent Perinatal - Hepatitis B Virus Transmission at Delivery
- Test Results UNAVAILABLE at admission or from retesting at delivery
- Guidance for Developing Admission Orders in Labor & Delivery and Newborn Units to Prevent Hepatitis B Virus Transmission
- Hepatitis B Online (CNEs awarded)
- Hepatitis B Serology Video
- MMWR - A Comprehensive Immunization Strategy to Eliminate Hepatitis B
- What Hospitals Can do to Protect Newborns http://www.immunize.org