Why Hepatitis B Vaccine for Newborns?

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Specializes in Too many to list.

I never could understand the rationale behind the need for this vaccine for newborns. Don't read this if you want a peer review.

http://www.nccn.net/~wwithin/belkin.pdf

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Specializes in Oncology, OR.

I don't either, and I didn't get it done at the hospital for my newborn...when I asked the pediatrician about it, he acknowledged that it wasn't really necessary for newborns unless they were in a high-risk group. So we waited until her 2 month office visit to do it. I just can't get on board with unnecessary immunizations!

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It's more about getting it done than anything. Delaying often means putting it off forever for some people. I personally don't see any difference in doing it as a newborn or at a few months old.

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Indigo girl - I see from 2 posts today that you have strong feelings on vaccinating children. Both of my children received their first Hep B in the hospital. I believe that vaccines are safe and effective. What happens when people stop vaccinating their kids because of concerns about Thimerosol? This does. This has just started. I suspect it will get a lot worse before it gets better.

http://www.cnn.com/2006/HEALTH/conditions/04/03/mumps.outbreak.ap/

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I also declined for my kids and got it later. I tried to keep them from dirty needles and unprotected sex for the first couple of months. I can see the high risk pop (moms with status unknown) needing treatment. But I don't think a newborn should be subjected to all that just for the sake of a few.

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Specializes in floor to ICU.

When I worked for the Immunization Program for Texas a lot of the children we saw did not go to their pediatrician's on a regular basis. When we had them in our clinic we never knew when we were going to see them again so if they were eligible- we vaccinated them. I think giving newborn's the Hep. B vaccine is the same concept. Many parents are late in getting their kids immunized according to the recommended schedule.

As you can tell, I am very pro-vaccinate. Below is a link to the CDC regarding "What Would Happen If We Stopped Vaccinating?"

http://www.cdc.gov/nip/publications/fs/gen/WhatIfStop.htm

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But if I am not going to take my baby back to the doc for shot #2 and 3 then does having shot #1 do the baby any good?

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I'm pro-immunizations but did not do the Hep B or chicken pox vaccine on my 4 year old.

Sexually transmitted diseases are rampant in the US, which is probably why the Hep B is now given to newborns. And as L&D nurses, we see lots of stuff that would make your head spin . . .

However, knowing that I'm not risking my newborn, I opted out of Hep B.

We did have to immunize our daughter before she headed to high school against Hep B and I did go along with that. As an adult I also have the vaccine. I see no problem with that.

But a baby? Unless there is a known risk? I'd rather focus on the real risks - polio, measles, mumps, rubella, etc.

steph

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Specializes in Adolescent Psych, PICU.

I think vaccinating low risk newborns for HepB is pretty ridiculas. From the reading I have done the vax only lasts about 8 years anyways so unless your baby/toddler/preschooler is going to be having sex or using drugs there really isn't much of a risk for HepB IMO. So say the vax lasts for 8 years, or even 15 years max, there isn't going to be any protection left for the teens years where they really could be at risk for contracting it. I think the HepB vax should be around 12 or 13 years old or something like that.

I had my first vax'ed for HepB as a newborn because I didn't know any better, but I'm going to get her titers checked when she is a teen and possible revax her then if needed.

I think my main concern with giving HepB to newborns or young children not at risk is how long the vaccine is effective for and not really offering protection when teenagers and young adults really need it.

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This was discussed recently in the Peds forum.

https://allnurses.com/forums/f41/hepatitis-b-vaccination-infants-111184.html?highlight=hepatitis

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From the reading I have done the vax only lasts about 8 years anyways

Hep B vax doesn't give lifelong immunity? Can you point me to some research articles on that? Thanks!

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Well, that was very informative. Thank you. I think it changed my mind.

steph

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