Yes. There is no apparent risk of adverse effects to the developing
fetus when hepatitis B vaccine is given to pregnant women. The
vaccine contains no components that should pose a risk to the
fetus.

Do women who have been previously vaccinated against hepatitis B still need to be screened during pregnancy?

Yes. Women who have been vaccinated against hepatitis B should still be screened early in each pregnancy. Since most vaccinated persons are not commonly tested for immunity after vaccination, it is possible an individual could have been vaccinated but already infected with the hepatitis B virus.

When a mother’s hepatitis B test result is not available at the time of birth, how should the infant’s care be managed?

Infants born to women who lack a hepatitis B test result at the time of delivery should receive the first dose of hepatitis B vaccine within 12 hours of birth. Women without prenatal care are more likely to be positive than women who receive prenatal care. Women with an unknown hepatitis B test result should be tested as soon as possible following hospital admission. If the mother’s test result is positive, her infant should receive the additional protection of the Hepatitis B Immune Globulin (HBIG) within seven days after birth.

Premature infants weighing less than 2000 grams at birth and whose mother’s hepatitis B test result is unknown should be given HBIG in addition to hepatitis B vaccine within 12 hours of birth.

Should all children be vaccinated against hepatitis B?

Yes. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends all children from birth - 18 years who have not completed the hepatitis B vaccine series be vaccinated. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Family Practice also supports this recommendation.

Is it safe for a mother with the hepatitis B infection to breastfeed her infant?

Yes. A positive mother who wishes to breastfeed should be encouraged to do so, including immediately following delivery. Studies have shown there is no increased risk of hepatitis B infection among breastfed infants. However, the infant should receive hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) and hepatitis B vaccine within 12 hours of birth.

Will one dose of hepatitis A vaccine protect a person who is unable to complete the series before travel?

Most persons develop a high level of immunity after one dose of the hepatitis A vaccine. The second dose given 6 months later is necessary to assure long-term protection.

If a mother is infected with the hepatitis A virus, can she continue to breastfeed?

Yes. There is no known risk of spreading hepatitis A virus to an infant through breastfeeding. However, immune globulin should be given to the infant and other household and sexual contacts. To reduce the possibility of spreading the infection, the mother should also wash her hands after using the bathroom, before holding her infant, and before preparing food.