The hepatitis B (HepB) vaccine is the vaccine given at birth. This first dose is administered within 24 hours of birth to provide immediate protection against the Hepatitis B virus. The HepB vaccine is given as a series of three shots, with subsequent doses administered at scheduled intervals after birth.
Why is the HepB vaccine given at birth?
Hepatitis B is a serious liver infection that can be transmitted from mother to child during birth. Administering the vaccine immediately helps protect newborns from this potential infection. This proactive approach is crucial due to the serious consequences of untreated hepatitis B.
Other Vaccines Administered Shortly After Birth:
While the HepB vaccine is the most commonly administered vaccine at birth, other vaccines might be given shortly after birth, depending on individual circumstances, location and protocols. These might include vaccines protecting against other diseases, but are not given as routinely at birth as HepB.
The provided reference data supports the administration of the Hepatitis B vaccine at birth. The table from the Tamil Nadu Public Health Department clearly shows that the HepB birth dose is given within 24 hours. Further sources such as the CDC and other reputable medical sites (https://www.uptodate.com/contents/vaccines-for-infants-and-children-age-0-to-6-years-beyond-the-basics/print), https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/immunizations/Pages/Your-Babys-First-Vaccines.aspx, and https://www.marchofdimes.org/find-support/topics/birth/your-babys-vaccinations all corroborate this information.
