New study suggests reduced newborn hepatitis B vaccination coverage may increase infant infections

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection acquired at birth or during early infancy can lead to lifelong health complications, including chronic liver disease. Despite longstanding recommendations for prenatal screening, an estimated 12% to 16% of pregnant individuals in the U.S. are not screened for hepatitis B. This gap leaves a portion of newborns at risk for undetected exposure. Vaccination at birth serves as a safeguard, particularly for infants born to mothers whose hepatitis B status is unknown.