Implementation of hepatitis B birth dose vaccination – worldwide, 2016

Infections due to hepatitis B virus (HBV) are a leading cause of death worldwide. WHO estimated that in 2015, 257 million people globally were living with chronic HBV infection and that 887 000 deaths occurred due to HBV, mostly from longterm complications such as cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The prevalence of chronic HBV infection among the general population ranges from >5% in most countries in the Western Pacific and African Regions, to <2% in most countries in the European and American Regions. In the majority of settings, chronic infections are commonly acquired at birth through perinatal transmission and in early childhood, when the risk of developing chronic infection is highest. HBV infection can be prevented by administration of the hepatitis B vaccine. WHO recommends at least 3 doses of hepatitis B vaccination for all children worldwide, with the first dose to be administered at birth.A birth dose of hepatitis B (HepBBD) should be given as soon as possible after birth and, if administered

2018
WHO
WER
7
93

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Added on: 22 February, 2018
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