What is the perinatal hepatitis B prevention program?
The program makes sure that infants don't get hepatitis B when they are born.
- Prenatal care providers are required by law to screen for hep B infection during every pregnancy.
- The program identifies pregnant people who have hep B infection, and works with hospitals to make sure that their babies are given special vaccinations right after birth to prevent passage of the hepatitis B virus from the mother to baby.
- Program staff make sure that infants get all their required hep B vaccines and testing during the first years of life.
Useful links for providers:
California Department of Public Health-Perinatal Hepatitis B Prevention Program
Prevention of Perinatal Hepatitis B. Guidelines for Prenatal Care Providers
Interpretation of Serologic Tests Results
Preventing Perinatal Hepatitis B. Guidelines for Labor & Delivery
Admission Orders for Labor and Delivery and Newborn Units to Prevent Hepatitis B Virus Transmission
Pediatric Provider Quicksheet (PDF)
Vaccine Schedules:
Last updated April 12, 2024