All newborns to be given hepatitis B jab

The Guardian reports that babies will now be offered routine vaccinations against hepatitis B, following higher rates of infection, particularly in some inner city areas and in children who were born in countries where the virus is prevalent. The UK is one of the last countries in Europe to do so, following a World Health Organisation (WHO) recommendation in 1992 that all babies be immunised against it.

Sema Mandal, a consultant in immunisation, hepatitis and blood safety at Public Health England (PHE) said the vaccine had been used widely and safely for many years, and has had a major impact on preventing infection in many countries.  

The virus is typically more common in people who inject drugs and have unprotected sex with multiple partners, but can be spread from mothers to newborn babies, and linger for years, causing serious liver damage. 

PHE said in a statement: “People with hepatitis B infection may not be aware they are infected as infection mostly has no symptoms. As adults are the majority of infected individuals, vaccinating children will protect them in childhood from potential exposure to infected household or family members. Vaccinating infants will essentially reduce the risk of infection and will provide longer-term protection against future exposure risks”.

The full story can be read on the Guardian website.