Why Get Vaccinated for Hepatitis?

Vaccines teach the immune system to recognize and block viruses before they can cause an infection. The hepatitis A and B vaccines are safe and well-studied tools that help keep people and communities healthy.

How Do We Know if Hepatitis Vaccines Are Safe?

Both vaccines have been monitored for decades and are among the safest medical products in use today.

Scientific evidence shows that the hepatitis A vaccine is highly effective, providing long-term protection against the virus for both children and adults. Since the vaccine was introduced, hepatitis A rates in the US have declined by over 95%. It is now a standard part of childhood wellness visits.

Similarly, the hepatitis B vaccine is the best defense for preventing lifelong liver disease.

Why is Hepatitis B Vaccine Recommended for Newborns?

Hepatitis B vaccine is specifically recommended for infants because babies have a much higher risk of an infection becoming chronic. Adults are more likely to clear the virus on their own than children, but about 90% of infants exposed to the hepatitis B virus will develop a permanent infection.

The “birth dose” acts as a safety net to block the virus immediately, protecting the child from exposure at birth and from any potential exposure by caregivers or family members.

An infected mother can spread hepatitis B to her infant during pregnancy or delivery. But infants and children can also get infected in other ways, like by accident at home or other places.

The hepatitis B vaccine dose at birth is the best way to protect baby from infection and begin to train the immune system to recognize and block the virus.

Medical and Public Health Experts Agree

Medical and public health experts agree about the importance of hepatitis B vaccination. The following groups recommend a dose at birth for all newborns: