Long Beach Health Department Reaffirms Commitment to Infant Hepatitis B Protection

Long Beach, CA ~ Long Beach, CA - The City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) is standing firm on its recommendation that all newborns receive the hepatitis B vaccine immediately after birth. This decision comes in light of the recent change in federal guidance by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).

According to the Health Department, there is no new safety concern that prompted this change in federal guidance. Infants are still at risk for hepatitis B infection, a highly infectious virus that attacks the liver and can lead to lifelong illness, liver cancer or even death. The hepatitis B vaccine has been proven to be one of the most effective tools in preventing infection and protecting infants.

Newborns are particularly vulnerable to this virus. If infected at birth or within their first year of life, up to 90 percent of babies will develop chronic hepatitis B. Shockingly, one in four of those infected will die from related liver disease later in life. This is why it is crucial for newborns to receive the vaccine as soon as possible.

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The Health Department continues to follow guidance from trusted organizations such as the California Department of Public Health, the West Coast Health Alliance, and national medical organizations. These organizations strongly recommend that newborns receive a dose of the hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours of birth, followed by completion of the full vaccination series. This schedule has been safely used for over 30 years and has significantly reduced hepatitis B infections in U.S. infants since its adoption in 1991.

For more information on vaccines and local resources, individuals can visit longbeach.gov/immunizations. It is important for parents and caregivers to stay informed about vaccinations and take necessary precautions to protect their children from preventable diseases like hepatitis B.

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