Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 3, 2026

Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction-Based Detection and Quantification of Hepatitis B Virus DNA
04:11

Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction-Based Detection and Quantification of Hepatitis B Virus DNA

Published on: December 15, 2023

Newborn hepatitis B vaccination coverage among children born January 2003-June 2005--United States

    MMWR. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report
    |August 1, 2008
    PubMed

    Insights

    Newborns received the Hepatitis B vaccine before hospital discharge at low rates (42.8% by day 1) before 2005 recommendations. Increasing this vital infant vaccination coverage is crucial for preventing Hepatitis B virus transmission.

    Area of Science:

    • Public Health
    • Immunization
    • Virology

    Background:

    • The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) first recommended the Hepatitis B vaccine for all infants in 1991 to eliminate Hepatitis B virus (HBV) transmission in the U.S.
    • Recommendations for the timing of the first Hepatitis B vaccine dose have evolved to optimize prevention of perinatal and early childhood HBV infections.
    • Revised 2005 ACIP recommendations prioritized Hepatitis B vaccination for medically stable newborns weighing >/=2,000 g before hospital discharge.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To measure Hepatitis B vaccination coverage during the neonatal period.
    • To analyze national, state, and local data on newborn Hepatitis B vaccination coverage.
    • To assess coverage rates before the implementation of the 2005 ACIP recommendations.

    Main Methods:

    • Analysis of data from the 2006 National Immunization Survey (NIS).
    • Examination of vaccination coverage for infants receiving the Hepatitis B vaccine within the first days of life.
    • Data collection period: January 2003--June 2005.

    Main Results:

    • National newborn Hepatitis B vaccination coverage was 42.8% at age 1 day and 50.1% at age 3 days during January 2003--June 2005.
    • Significant variations in vaccination coverage were observed across states and local areas.
    • Coverage rates were below the target for optimal prevention of HBV transmission.

    Conclusions:

    • Hepatitis B vaccination rates among newborns before hospital discharge were suboptimal prior to the 2005 ACIP recommendations.
    • Substantial geographic disparities in neonatal Hepatitis B vaccination coverage exist.
    • Hospitals should integrate newborn Hepatitis B vaccination as a standard of care to improve coverage and prevent HBV transmission.

    Related Concept Videos

    Development of Immunocompetence01:22

    Development of Immunocompetence

    The initiation of cell-mediated immunity can be observed as early as the third month of fetal growth, with active antibody-mediated immunity following approximately one month later.
    The initial cells that migrate from the fetal thymus settle within the skin and epithelial tissues lining the mouth, digestive tract, and in females, the uterus and vagina. These cells, including skin-based dendritic cells, serve as antigen-presenting cells, playing a key role in T cell activation.
    Subsequent T...
    Hepatitis01:25

    Hepatitis

    Hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver most commonly caused by hepatotropic viruses (A–E), though non-infectious causes such as alcohol and drugs also exist.Hepatitis AHepatitis A virus (HAV) is a non-enveloped RNA virus of the Picornaviridae family. It is primarily transmitted via the fecal-oral route, typically through ingestion of contaminated food or water. After ingestion, HAV enters the bloodstream through the oropharynx or intestinal epithelium and reaches the liver. The...
    Vaccinations01:51

    Vaccinations

    Overview
    Viral Hepatitis I: Introduction01:28

    Viral Hepatitis I: Introduction

    Viral hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver caused by infection with hepatotropic viruses, most commonly hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. Despite variations in structure and transmission, all viruses mentioned infect hepatocytes and provoke immune responses that can hinder liver function. Additionally, some non-hepatotropic viruses can also lead to hepatic inflammation.Hepatitis A VirusHepatitis A virus (HAV) is transmitted through the fecal–oral route, typically by ingestion of food...
    Smallpox01:24

    Smallpox

    Smallpox is a severe contagious disease caused by the Variola major virus, a double-stranded DNA member of the Poxviridae family.Variola major transmission occurs primarily via inhalation of virus-laden droplets or direct contact with infectious scabs. The incubation period averages approximately seven days, although it may range from 7 to 17 days depending on the inoculum and host factors.Clinically, the prodromal phase is marked by an abrupt onset of high fever, malaise, headache, and myalgia.
    Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Metabolism01:24

    Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Metabolism

    In pediatric care, understanding the nuances of hepatic drug metabolism is crucial, as it significantly differs from that of adults. This divergence is primarily due to the developmental stage of drug-metabolizing enzymes, which affects how medications are processed in the body. In neonates, for instance, the activity of Phase I enzymes—critical for the initial breakdown of drugs—is markedly reduced, functioning at just 20–40% of the levels seen in adults. This reduction poses a challenge in...