This vaccine has been available since 1982 and is given in a series of three shots. Many people with hepatitis B have no or only mild symptoms. The majority of individuals will have self-limited infections, experience complete resolution, and develop protective levels of antibodies. In addition, HBV chronic carriers can infect others throughout their lives, and their risk for developing liver cancer is 200 times higher. Pregnant women with hepatitis B can transmit the virus to their babies.
Transmission is believed to occur during delivery.
Most infected babies who are not treated promptly will become chronic carriers and be at increased risk of liver cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver cancer. If a pregnant woman is found to be positive for the virus, treatment for the baby should begin immediately after delivery. Treatment includes the hepatitis B vaccine as well as HBV immune globulin. In addition, the baby will receive the additional two vaccination shots during follow-up visits. Women with advanced liver disease are at increased risk of suffering complications during pregnancy.