The Northeast Public Health Collaborative has stated that its recommendations for hepatitis B vaccination in infants and children remain unchanged following recent votes by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). According to the Collaborative, the ACIP decisions will not affect vaccination practices within its member jurisdictions.
The group continues to advise that all newborns should receive a hepatitis B vaccine birth dose within 24 hours of delivery. For newborns whose birth parents have tested positive for hepatitis B infection or whose status is unknown, vaccination should occur within 12 hours of birth.
The Collaborative also recommends that all children complete the full hepatitis B vaccination series within 18 months. It does not recommend using a serology test to determine whether the entire vaccine series should be administered.
“These recommendations align with the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Recommended Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule and reflect a previously released scientific consensus statement from the Northeast Public Health Collaborative,” according to the statement.
The organization urges members of the public to consult qualified health care professionals and rely on trusted medical sources when making health decisions. The Collaborative also cautions against sharing or acting on unverified health claims.
The Northeast Public Health Collaborative describes itself as a voluntary coalition of public health agencies working together to share expertise, improve coordination, enhance capacity, strengthen regional readiness, and protect evidence-based public health in their jurisdictions.
