Perinatal Hepatitis B

Each year, the Center of Disease Control estimates that about 25,000 infants in the United States will be exposed to hepatitis B through their birth parent. Currently, the CDC manages on average per year 10,000 infants through the Perinatal Hepatitis B Prevention Program. It is the goal nationally and in the District of Columbia to eliminate hepatitis B transmission to infants at birth. 
Infants are particularly vulnerable as 90% of those infants who get hepatitis B within 12 months of birth become chronically infected (for life) and have a higher risk of developing liver cancer or liver failure. 

The District of Columbia Perinatal Hepatitis B Prevention focuses on four activities:
1.    Identifying pregnant individuals with hepatitis B and their infants.
2.    Ensuring appropriate preventive treatment of those infants at birth with hepatitis B vaccine and hepatitis B immune globulin.
3.    Tracking the timely administration of the hepatitis B vaccine series.
4.    Ensuring that each infant gets hepatitis B blood testing at 9 -12 months to confirm immunity and prevention of the hepatitis B virus. 

To report cases of perinatal hepatitis B, contact Perinatal Hep B Nurse Specialist on 202-576-9325 or fax the Notifiable Disease in Pregnancy Form(link) or Notifiable Disease Post-delivery Form(link).