Summary
President Trump advised against giving the hepatitis B vaccine to newborns, suggesting it be delayed until age 12. Experts, including pediatricians, disagree and say vaccinating newborns is crucial to prevent the virus, which can lead to serious liver diseases. The U.S. policy of vaccinating newborns has reduced hepatitis B infections in children by 99%.
Key Facts
- Hepatitis B is a virus that attacks the liver and has no cure.
- Universal vaccination of newborns in the U.S. began in 1991.
- Since vaccination began, hepatitis B cases in children have dropped by 99%.
- Experts say it's important to vaccinate newborns to prevent long-term infections, which can lead to liver cancer and death.
- The virus can be spread through blood and bodily fluids, not just sexual contact.
- The virus can linger on surfaces for up to seven days and infect through minor skin breaks.
- About 25% of children with chronic hepatitis B infections may die from the disease.
- Some infections occur through mother-to-child transmission or contact with other caregivers.
