Denver Health has announced it will continue to recommend the hepatitis B vaccine for all newborns on the day of birth, even after a national advisory committee voted to shift its guidance from universal vaccination to shared decision-making for infants born to hepatitis B-negative mothers.
According to Denver Health, the decision is based on several factors, including the ongoing presence of hepatitis B in the community and risks associated with mothers who do not receive prenatal care or possible exposure from household contacts. The organization emphasized that the vaccine remains safe and effective.
Hepatitis B affects about 2 million people in the United States, with nearly half unaware of their infection. Infants are particularly vulnerable; up to 90% of babies infected at birth develop chronic hepatitis B, and one in four infected infants may die early as a result. The vaccine, when administered at birth alongside hepatitis B immunoglobulin, prevents about 90% of infections passed from mother to baby and offers protection against potential exposure from infected family members.
Decades of research have shown that the vaccine is safe, with no significant side effects reported. Denver Health doctors and nurses are encouraged to discuss vaccination benefits with families and recommend administration on the day of birth. Parents who wish to delay can choose to vaccinate their child at two months or earlier if preferred.
“Denver Health doctors and nurses should continue discussing the benefits of birth dose vaccination with families and recommending the hepatitis B vaccine on the day of birth. Parents who prefer to wait can have their baby vaccinated at 2 months of age or sooner if they choose. These recommendations follow decades of evidence and align with guidance from major medical organizations including the American Academy of Pediatrics. Denver Health will reassess this approach if insurance coverage changes affect our patients.”
Denver Health stated it would revisit its recommendations if there are changes in insurance coverage that impact patients.
