Perinatal Hepatitis B Prevention Program aims to stop the transmission of the Hepatitis B virus to newborn infants whose mothers are Hepatitis B carriers. Goals of the program include:
- Prevent the spread of the Hepatitis B virus
- Provide health education to pregnant women who are Hepatitis B carriers and their families
- Assess household contacts and refer for medical screening and evaluation of Hepatitis B
- Assist in making sure the vaccine series is done timely for the infant and household contacts by maintaining contact with mother and physician
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| Program Eligibility: |
All residents of Alameda County can receive information and screening referrals. The focus of the program is on women in their childbearing years, 15 to 45 years of age. The service is free of charge.
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| Useful Information and Services: |
- What does “perinatal” mean?
Occurring before, during or after the time of birth.
- What is Hepatitis B?
Hepatitis is a serious liver disease that may be caused by the Hepatitis B virus. This virus infects and damages the liver causing Hepatitis B. A virus is a germ that causes sickness. (For example, a virus causes the flu.) Hepatitis makes your liver swell and stops it from working right. Hepatitis B is the most common cause of liver cancer worldwide.
- What is a Hepatitis B Carrier?
Some people who are infected with the Hepatitis B virus carry the virus in their blood the rest of their lives. These people are known as carriers. Approximately 5% to 10% of adults who are infected with the Hepatitis B virus become carriers and have a lifelong infection. The risk for lifelong infection is much higher for infants and children who become infected.
- Why should all babies receive Hepatitis B vaccine?
Babies who are vaccinated against the Hepatitis B virus are no longer at risk of becoming infected. As more and more people are protected from Hepatitis B infection through Hepatitis B vaccination, the number of new infections will decrease.
- If a mother has the Hepatitis B virus in her blood when her baby is born, her baby will need the first shot of the vaccine within 12 hours after birth.
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| Publications: |
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| Web Links: |
- Center for Disease Control, National Center for Infectious Diseases, Viral Hepatitis B – Hepatitis glossary, fact sheet, frequently asked questions, vaccine articles, fact sheet, and vaccination schedules.
www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/hepatitis/b/index.htm
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| Contact Information: |
Division of Communicable Disease Control & Prevention
Perinatal Hepatitis B Program
1000 Broadway, Suite 500
Oakland, CA 94607
(510) 267-3250
For More information abuot Perinatal Hepatitis B: Email PeriHepB@acgov.org
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