What Is Hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B is a serious disease caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). HBV attacks the liver and can lead to liver cancer and cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) in people who develop lifelong infection with the virus.

What Will Happen if My Baby Gets Hepatitis B?

Most newborns who become infected with hepatitis B virus do not get sick at first, but they have a 90 percent chance of developing lifelong infection. If your child gets infected, he or she can develop serious liver damage and might get liver cancer later in life. But there is good news! Hepatitis B is preventable with a very safe and effective vaccine. You can protect your baby for life by making sure he or she is vaccinated beginning at birth.

How Can My Child Get Hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B virus is spread by contact with blood or body fluids from an infected person. Children can get infected by:

• Contact with a mother’s blood and body fluids at the time of birth

• Contact with blood and body fluids through breaks in the skin such as bites, cuts or sores

• Contact with objects that could have blood or body fluids on them such as toothbrushes or razors

Hepatitis B virus is not spread by:

• Sneezing or coughing
• Kissing or hugging
• Breastfeeding
• Eating food or drinking water
• Sharing eating utensils or drinking glasses

If You Are Pregnant

Ask your doctor:

• Has my blood been tested for hepatitis B virus?
• Do I need hepatitis B vaccine?
• Will you make sure that my baby gets hepatitis B vaccine at birth?

If You Are Pregnant and Have Hepatitis B

• Ask your doctor to make sure your baby gets a shot called HBIG and the first dose of hepatitis B vaccine at birth

• Know that it is safe to breastfeed your baby right away after birth

• Make sure your baby gets all the hepatitis B vaccine doses on time

• Make sure your baby gets a blood test after receiving all the hepatitis B vaccine doses to be sure he or she is protected

Hepatitis B vaccine is safe for your baby, even if your baby is premature. Make sure your baby gets the first dose at birth before leaving the hospital. Ask your baby’s doctor when your baby should get the next dose.

Updated: 2008

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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