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Apr
24

Information for hospitals and birth centers

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Information for hospitals and birth centers

Preventing perinatal hepatitis B starts at birth by reporting to Public Health each birth to a person who is infected with hepatitis B and giving post-exposure prophylaxis to their infants within 12 hours.

Giving the universal birth dose of hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours (regardless of birth parent hepatitis B status) acts as a safety net for all infants.

For birth centers

CDC Interim Guidance to Prevent Perinatal Transmission of Hep B
During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Select a topic below to display information:

Interim advisory for birth centers:

Birthing/childbirth centers are owned and operated by licensed midwives and certified nurse midwives. The guidelines for administering hepatitis B vaccine and Hepatitis B Immune Globulin (HBIG) as a part of post exposure prophylaxis remain similar to birth hospitals.

To obtain HBIG, midwives should contact their medical supply distributor and speak to their account representative to order one of the following:

HBIG Product Information for Perinatal Exposure
Product name Manufacturer Perinatal Dosing Presentation*
HepaGamB® Cangene Corporation 0.5 mL 1.0 mL single use vial
HyperHEPB® Grifols 0.5 mL 0.5 mL single dose syringe
Nabi-HB® Biotest Pharmaceuticals 0.5 mL 1 mL single dose vial

*as relevant only to perinatal administration

Hepatitis B vaccine may also be obtained through direct purchasing or through unique collaborations with a pediatric medical providers who readily stock the vaccine.

Please refer to the guidelines from the WA State Dept. of Health for more information about hepatitis B vaccine brands, storage and handling, and administration guidance for both hepatitis B vaccine and HBIG.

Birth centers having difficulties obtaining post-exposure prophylaxis for a delivery may contact the Perinatal Hepatitis B Prevention Program at 206-296-4774 for assistance.

Unless they get proper post-exposure prevention, up to 90% of babies born to mothers with hepatitis B get infected, and 85% to 95% of those will be chronically infected. Up to one in four chronically infected babies will die from primary hepatocellular carcinoma or cirrhosis of the liver later in life. Learn more from the links below.

When to report the birth of an infant born to a person who was hepatitis B positive (HBsAg positive) during their pregnancy.

  • Notify Public Health of the birth of an infant to an HBSAg-positive person for immediate follow up and confirmation of post exposure prophylaxis.

  • In Washington, healthcare providers are legally required to report hepatitis B infections to Public Health.

  • Each pregnancy in a person with hepatitis B infection should be reported to public health within 3 days.

  • Reporting of a HBsAg-positive pregnant person and their infants to Public Health — Seattle & King County can be done in the following ways:
    • Call Communicable Disease Control, Epidemiology, & Immunization at 206-296-4774
    • Call the 24-hour report line at 206-296-4782, push "3" to report PHBPP information, or
    • Download, complete, and fax the confidential case report form to 206-296-4803.

The Perinatal Hepatitis B Prevention Program is a case management service provided by Public Health for pregnant people with hepatitis B and their infants. Pregnant people who are infected with hepatitis B and their infants may be automatically enrolled in the program after Public Health is notified by their provider, clinic, hospital, or lab.

The program helps mothers, parents, and guardians take the steps necessary to protect their babies from hepatitis B

Services include:

  • hepatitis B vaccine and testing reminder calls or letters to moms, parents, and guardians
  • coordinating clinic appointments for enrolled clients
  • client hepatitis B education and resources

For questions and client services call 206-296-4774 and ask for the perinatal hepatitis B team.

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