The United States President Donald Trump this week The claims Children shouldn’t be vaccinated against hepatitis B unless they’re 12 years old as an alternative of birth. He also said that a viral liver infection is a sexually transmitted disease.
These claims come between autism, paracetamol and several other other statements in regards to the vaccine that health workers Have been warned Are not Grand in evidence.
So, what do hepatitis B say about B? And why is it needed for kids to vaccinate from birth?
What is hepatitis B?
Hepatitis b There is a liver infection brought on by hepatitis B virus. Infection May be chronic (Long -term) and puts the affected person at high risk of liver cervical, liver cancer and death.
Hepatitis B will be spread through contact with the virus -affected physical fluids. These include blood, wholesale, vaginal fluid and semen. So yes, as Trump advisedHepatitis B will be sexually transmitted. But infection shouldn’t be the one way.
The necessary thing is that the virus can go through the mother to her baby through a birth canal in the course of the birth of a baby. If a newborn is brought before hepatitis B at birth, 90 % of the opportunity They will develop chronic infections. Life, about, about One of four of them Those who’ve chronic infection will die of liver disease or liver cancer.
In countries where hepatitis B is very large, The virus usually passes through In the primary five years of life, from birth to baby, or from an infected baby to an infected baby.
There isn’t any cure, that’s, hepatitis B infection is for all times. Fortunately, we’ve got a really effective vaccine that may avoid infection.
Most effective hours after birth
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that children get the primary dose of hepatitis B vaccine At the time of birth. Since 2000, this has been a regular advice for all newborns in Australia. Ideally within 24 hours of birth – As an element of our National Security Vaccines Program.
If a pregnant woman conducts a positive test for hepatitis B -level antigen (HBSAG) – meaning her chronic infection. Should be received as ideal The first dose of hepatitis B vaccine inside 4 hours of birth. It will probably be managed with hepatitis B immunoglobulin, a drug that has antibodies to hepatitis B.
Only hepatitis B vaccine is estimated 75 % Effective Infection during birth prevention, while vaccines and immunoglobulin are together 95 % Effective.
The dose of this vaccine of this vaccine, followed by Three follow -up doses In two, 4 and 6 months, provides long -term protection For at least 20 years.
Protection lives well in youth and youth, when Behavior Injection corresponding to sexual intercourse or drug use can increase the chance of contracting with hepatitis B virus.
Hepatitis B vaccine is efficient
Globally, 117 countries Has introduced A dose of hepatitis B vaccine to newborns inside the first 24 hours of life. This implies that thousands and thousands of newborns have secured the vaccine safely at birth.
The vaccination of Australian newborn children is high. For example, in 2023, 92 % of kids in New South Wales received hepatitis B's birth dose. This rate has been relatively stable, Between 92 % and 95 %Since 2007.
The effects of universal vaccination have been amazing. Since Australia introduces free newborn hepatitis B -protective vaccines, newly acquired infections Dropped from two -thirds Between 2000 and 2019.
Between 2014 and 2023, this program has supported a 60 % decrease In cases of hepatitis B in people under the age of 20.
Hepatitis B vaccination has been the inspiration stone of controlling the disease for a long time and dropped at the United States Within the reach of eliminating hepatitis B infectionWhich Australia can also be intended By 2030.
Hepatitis B vaccine is secure
The child can experience Minor side effects After vaccination, pain on the injection site, including redness or swelling. They normally last for greater than a few days. Sometimes a small lump appears that may proceed for just a few weeks.
The delay could also be dangerous
The first dose of hepatitis B vaccine shouldn’t be really helpful because:
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The virus is quiet and customary. In Australia, about 0.9 % of people live with chronic hepatitis And almost One -third Don't know that they’re infections. Although transmission often occurs during labor and delivery, children can later lift it from domestic contact. Vaccination will be protected at birth time and childhood Against this type of transmissionKnown as horizontal transmission.
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Screening shouldn’t be perfect. Hepatitis B screening really helpful for all PregnantTo help prevent newborns from developing chronic hepatitis B from birth. A girl could also be a contagious disease specialist and/or really helpful Anti -viral medicines during pregnancy. However, not all moms are tested while pregnant. Even in the event that they are, the infection could also be after testing or fully remembered. Therefore, the birth dose acts as a crucial protective net.
Briefing
Evidence suggests that vaccination children at birth are a safest, highly effective and accessible option to protect children throughout the lifetime of hepatitis B infection.