Protecting Your Child

As part of your prenatal care your blood will be tested for hepatitis B virus. If your results are positive, your child will need to receive preventative treatment at birth. With treatment your child can lead a long and healthy life with long-lasting protection against hepatitis B.

Treatment is free and includes:

• One dose each of hepatitis B immune Globulin (HBIG) and the first dose of hepatitis B vaccine at birth. The HBIG and vaccine should be given at the hospital within 12 hours of delivery.
• Second dose of vaccine at 1 month of age. This dose will be given at the SNHD.
• Third dose of vaccine at 6 months of age. This dose will be given at the SNHD.
• A blood test 3 to 9 months after the third dose of vaccine will help confirm the success of the vaccination. A lab slip will be provided to you from the SNHD to take to Quest Diagnostics Lab. The blood test is free.

It is very important that you keep up with the hepatitis B vaccine schedule. The vaccine will not fully protect your child until the third dose is received.

If you are pregnant and tested positive for hepatitis B or want additional information on the Perinatal Hepatitis B Prevention Program, please call us at (702) 759-0858.