Why newborns should get the hepatitis B vaccine at birth

It is vital for newborns to receive a dose of the hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours of birth. This early protection is one of the safest and most effective ways to prevent lifelong infection and serious liver disease. 
 

What is hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B is a highly infectious virus that can affect the liver and, in some instances, become chronic, leading to cirrhosis, liver cancer or death.  
 

The virus is silent and common  

In Australia, about 0.9% of people live with hepatitis B, and almost one-third do not know they are infected.
 

Babies can be exposed to hepatitis B during childbirth

Hepatitis B is spread through contact with infected blood or body fluids. The virus can be passed from an infected mother to her baby during labour and delivery.  
 

Babies are at the highest risk of lifelong infection

Hepatitis B virus has no cure. If a newborn is exposed to hepatitis B at birth, there is a 90% chance they will develop chronic infection. Over a lifetime, about 1 in 4 of those children will die from liver disease or liver cancer.  
 

Screening exists, but is not perfect  

Although screening mothers for hepatitis B infection is routinely recommended as part of antenatal care, not all mothers are tested during pregnancy – and even if they are, infection can occur after testing or be missed entirely. 
 

The power of prevention

A birth dose of hepatitis B vaccine acts as a safety net. When given within 24 hours, it is up to 95% effective in preventing transmission to newborns.  
 

What are the hepatitis B vaccine recommendations in Australia?

In Australia, newborns are recommended to receive a dose of hepatitis B vaccine in the first 24 hours after birth, followed by 3 follow-up doses – at 2, 4 and 6 months of age – during infancy. Together, these doses provide long-term protection of over 20 years – well into adolescence and adulthood – and are available for free through the National Immunisation Program for all infants.  
 

Australia’s success story

Since Australia introduced free infant hepatitis B immunisation in 2000, newly acquired infections dropped by two-thirds between 2000 and 2019. Between 2014 and 2023, this program has supported a 60% decline in hepatitis B cases in people under 20 years of age [PDF]. 
 

The bottom line

Vaccinating babies at birth is a safe, effective and accessible way to protect children against a lifetime of hepatitis B infection – and other complications that can lead to preventable deaths.
 

Where to learn more

Parents can visit the Sharing Knowledge about Immunisation website for answers to common questions about the hepatitis B vaccination for babies and young children, including how it works, vaccine safety and what to expect after vaccination.  

The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) affirms that giving infants the vaccine at birth is a safe and effective way to prevent transmission of hepatitis B virus from mother to baby during delivery and household contacts in the first few months of life.