I was just traveling for several weeks and while I was gone I did not turn on a television or pay attention to any headlines. That is easier than you might think in the Serengeti and then the Sahara Desert. It was a much needed break. (Yes, I know how lucky I am!)
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When I got home, I was not surprised that there were piles of troubling headlines about all sorts of things.
One of the things that the media was spinning about is a recent statement by our health secretary about whether or not the Hepatitis B vaccine should continue to be routinely given to newborns in the hospital.
Let me be clear that I am pro vaccination, I believe that Tylenol is safe and I am not in favor of the manner in which this current Health secretary is managing his department. (UNDERSTATEMENT)
But as the saying goes, even a broken clock is right twice a day.
His recent recommendation is somewhat consistent with this post that I wrote 11 years ago.
Here is the post:
THE TIMING OF THE HEP B SERIES
Nurse Judy Blog August 2014
Deciding whether or not to vaccinate your child is a decision that some parents struggle with.
It can be hard to find a balanced discussion. The internet is full of one sided rhetoric (both pro vaccine and the anti vaccine factions are guilty of this).
Can vaccinations have some side effects? Absolutely.
Do they always work? Of course not.
That being said, I personally believe that vaccinations save lives and that the benefits overwhelmingly outweigh the concerns.
The first immunization that is given to many babies is the Hepatitis B vaccine. There are different forms of Hepatitis. The B strain is mostly contracted through blood exposure, intravenous drug use or sexual activity.
Hepatitis B is no joke. It is 100 times more contagious than HIV. It can lead to liver cancer and death. 70-80% of newborns who contract it will become “chronic carriers” and never be able to clear it. The Hepatitis B vaccine was approved in 1981 and has over 40 years of proven safety. It was actually the first cancer preventing vaccine.
In this country, most hospitals will automatically give this within a day or so of birth unless you tell them otherwise. If mom is Hepatitis B positive (It is important to know your Hepatitis B status, check with your OB if you don’t) it is essential for the baby to get the protection as soon as possible.
Here is where I stray a bit from the rules.
If mom has tested negative for hepatitis B, then I am perfectly comfortable if you decide to hold off from getting it as soon as your baby is born. Of course, there is absolutely no downside to the official recommendation of getting that first one over with before getting discharged from the hospital. But if you are feeling overwhelmed with things and want a bit more time before jumping into the immunization program, I have no issues with parents who want to put off that immediate new-born dose. However, don’t delay too long. I would suggest getting started with it at the one month visit.
If you are reluctant to have your young child get the Hepatitis B vaccine altogether please consider this.
Your child is indeed probably fairly low risk. But the risk is NOT zero.
Hepatitis B can survive outside of the body for at least several hours.
I know of more than one case in my city where an unsuspecting child found a syringe in a playground. Living in any urban environment means there is a risk for exposure.
Currently in California most day-cares and schools still require the series along with the other routine immunizations before admission. So, your child will need to get the Hep B series within the first few years of life, unless you homeschool.
It is much easier on your child to get this shot added to the rounds of shots that are given that first year of life. A few extra shots makes no difference to them.
If you delay until they are over a year, suddenly they are much more aware of every poke and trust me, you will be glad that you got these over with when they were oblivious.
If you are one of the parents who opted to delay it, make certain that your teenager is well protected.
The Hepatitis vaccine is a three part series. It has a proven, excellent safety record. When I was actively giving it, there was usually no reaction what-so-ever. This is not even one of the shots that seems ‘stingy’. In many cases, the babies didn’t even give a whimper.
For more information, the CDC Hepatitis B vaccine information sheet can be viewed at the following link.
SO to be clear:
Science shows that the HEP B vaccine is safe.
Giving your child protection from potential exposure to Hepatitis B is beneficial to their long term health.
If you are NOT 1,000% clear on mom’s hep B status, it is important to get it as part of the newborn interventions
If mom is Hep B negative, there is no issue getting the series started at your one or two month visit.
Your teen might be the one who remains a virgin and steers clear of any risky behaviors. Make sure they get it anyway. If you do it when they are babies, you can check it off your list.
Can I turn off the news again?
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