Immunization

[Nice_earyen]

Hello there!

I've started reviewing (crne) and came across a question about immunization of children, that "immunization of infants does not begin until 2 months" does this mean that Hep B vaccine is not given at birth? and its only optional? and whats the best rationale for this? if this is so.

Thank you.

[NotReady4PrimeTime, RN]

In Canada hepatitis B is not usually thought of as something that requires immediate vaccination unless the mother is known to be positive (approximately 0.12% of pregnancies per year). If that's the case, the neonate will be given HBIG (Hepatitis B Immune Globulin) soon after birth. They are then vaccinated according to the vaccine schedule in the province they reside in. The Public Health Agency of Canada recommends the three-shot series either in infancy or in adolescence:

http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/publicat/cig-gci/p03-01-eng.php

Some provinces don't include Hep B in their provided immunizations and the cost of the vaccine is then passed on to the parent and the choice is theirs to vaccinate or not.

[Nice_earyen]

thank you for that answer..... it's clear to me now.

[NotReady4PrimeTime, RN]

It's a complicated system, I know. Thankfully PHAC has an online scheduling tool parents can use to understand what they should be getting for their kids and when.