[Immunoprevention of hepatitis B in children]

Perinatal transmission of hepatitis B virus does not occur before the beginning of labor. Therefore, neither an embryopathy nor a fetopathy appears to be caused by an acute or chronic HBV infection during pregnancy. There is no necessity to interrupt pregnancy for the reason of a HBV infection. Transmission of HBV infection, however, may take place during delivery. By simultaneous administration of hepatitis B immunoglobulin and the HBV vaccine to the newborn infant directly after birth, perinatal infection with HBV can be prevented. This immunization procedure leads to a rapid and efficient anti-HBs response in the newborn comparable to that of adults. Protection against HBV infection by passive immunization is sufficient until active anti-HBs antibody formation is starting. The hepatitis B vaccine consists of the purified non-infectious surface of the HB virus. Due to the physical purification and chemical inactivation of the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) from human sera, the vaccine is considered to be safe. It is not harmful and exhibits an excellent compatibility in newborn infants.