The New York State Department of Health has issued an advisory urging health care providers and birthing facilities to administer the hepatitis B vaccine birth dose to all newborns within 12 hours of delivery, regardless of the birth parent’s hepatitis B infection status. The Department also recommends that children complete the full hepatitis B vaccine series by 18 months of age, following guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics.
This advisory was developed in collaboration with the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) and the Northeast Public Health Collaborative. It highlights ongoing risks associated with hepatitis B infection in infants and emphasizes the importance of timely vaccination. The release comes ahead of a meeting by the federal Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), scheduled for December 4 and 5, where changes to the infant hepatitis B vaccine schedule may be discussed.
New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald stated, “Hepatitis B puts infants at serious risk – 90 percent of infected newborns may develop chronic disease, and as many as one in four could die from complications. Vaccinating at birth is essential to protect our youngest New Yorkers.”
NYC Health Department Acting Commissioner Dr. Michelle Morse added, “For nearly four decades, the hepatitis B vaccine has protected countless infants from the life-threatening consequences of hepatitis B infections. The New York City Health Department strongly recommends maintaining the current birth vaccine for newborns to continue to protect our youngest New Yorkers from preventable illnesses. Delaying this effective vaccine only puts infants at risk.”
Hepatitis B is a viral infection that targets the liver and can cause both acute and chronic illness. Without preventive measures, it can result in cirrhosis, liver failure, liver cancer, or death. Perinatal transmission remains a significant source of new infections. According to New York State Public Health Law § 2500-e, all pregnant individuals must be screened for hepatitis B before delivery; however, mistakes can still occur during this process.
Infants are also at risk for exposure after birth through caregivers or household contacts who may have known or unknown infections or through contaminated surfaces.
The state health department stresses that administering the hepatitis B vaccine at birth is currently the most effective way to prevent lifelong infection and severe liver disease in newborns. Providers and birthing facilities are urged to continue following these recommendations.
Additional information about Hepatitis B is available on the New York State Department of Health website.
New York participates in the Northeast Public Health Collaborative—a regional partnership focused on protecting community health through evidence-based recommendations and broad access to quality care.
