The Northeast Public Health Collaborative has issued a statement reaffirming its support for administering the hepatitis B vaccine to newborns. According to the group, all newborns should receive a birth dose of the hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours after delivery. For infants whose birth parents are either positive for hepatitis B or have an unknown infection status, vaccination is recommended within 12 hours of birth. The Collaborative also advises that all children complete the full vaccination series by 18 months of age.
These recommendations are consistent with guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics and represent a consensus among members of the Collaborative. “The Collaborative continues to recommend that all newborns receive a hepatitis B vaccine birth dose within 24 hours of delivery. Newborns born to birth parents who test positive for hepatitis B infection or have an unknown status should be vaccinated within 12 hours of birth. Additionally, all children should complete the full vaccination series within 18 months,” according to their statement.
The organization expressed hope that the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) would adopt similar recommendations. “These recommendations align with the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Recommended Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule and reflect a consensus statement from the Northeast Public Health Collaborative. We hope the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) will join us in these recommendations.”
In its message, the Collaborative encouraged individuals to seek advice from qualified health professionals when making decisions about vaccinations and warned against acting on unverified information. “We encourage the public to consult with qualified health care professionals and clinicians and rely on trusted medical sources when making decisions about their health or the health of their children. We also urge caution in sharing or acting on unverified health claims.”
The Northeast Public Health Collaborative describes itself as a voluntary coalition focused on sharing expertise, improving coordination, enhancing capacity, strengthening regional readiness, and protecting evidence-based public health practices across its jurisdictions.
