Hepatitis B is very infectious and spread by the blood, semen, or vaginal fluid of infected people. It can cause long-term liver disease, such as cirrhosis (liver scarring), liver failure and cancer.
All pregnant women should be screened for hepatitis B as part of their pregnancy care. This is done through a blood test.
Hepatitis B vaccination is the best way to prevent the disease.
This fact sheet is also available in community languages.
About 90% of babies who become infected with hepatitis B at birth or soon after will develop hepatitis B for life.
Hepatitis B vaccine protects babies long-term. The vaccine is free for babies.
All babies are offered the hepatitis B vaccine at birth to:
It’s recommended that all babies be vaccinated against hepatitis B at birth (or within 7 days of being born). Babies should also receive the hepatitis B vaccine at 6 weeks, 4 months and 6 months of age.
It is essential that the full course of hepatitis B vaccines is completed for long-term protection.
Babies can still be breastfed as they receive their hepatitis B vaccine doses.
Hepatitis B vaccine is given in combination with other vaccines on the NSW immunisation schedule. On-time vaccination is a baby’s best protection against preventable and serious diseases.
All vaccines given to children in Australia are tested to make sure they are safe and effective.
A baby born to a mother who has tested positive for hepatitis B needs another injection at birth, called ‘hepatitis b immunoglobulin’, as well as their hepatitis B vaccination, to prevent hepatitis B.
A baby born to a mother who has tested positive for hepatitis B will still need to have 3 more hepatitis B vaccine doses to make sure that they don’t get hepatitis B. They also need a blood test 3-12 months after completing the vaccination course to check they are protected.
Parents or carers should speak to their healthcare provider for more information and advice.
A pregnant woman who has hepatitis B may be recommended to have treatment during pregnancy to reduce the risk of transmitting hepatitis B to their baby. Anyone who is pregnant and knows that they have hepatitis B should tell their doctor about their hepatitis B infection.
