As part of prenatal care, pregnant women will be tested for hepatitis B virus with a blood test. If the results are positive, the baby will need to receive treatment at birth.

Treatment includes:

• One dose each of hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) and the first dose of hepatitis B vaccine at birth. The HBIG and hepatitis B vaccine should be given at the hospital within 12 hours of delivery.
• Second dose of hepatitis B vaccine should be given at 1-2 months of age.
• The third dose of hepatitis B vaccine should be given at 6 months of age.
• A blood test is recommended at 9-15 months of age and at least 1-2 months after the final dose of hepatitis B vaccine which will help confirm the success of the vaccination. A lab slip will be provided to the Health District to take to any LabCorp location. The blood test is free.
• Free blood test for the baby, after HBIG and three doses of vaccine are complete (9-15 months of age), to ensure the vaccine is protecting the child.

It is very important to keep up with the hepatitis B vaccine schedule. The vaccine will not fully protect a baby until the third dose is received.

Pregnant women who have tested positive for hepatitis B or want additional information on the Perinatal Hepatitis B Prevention Program, can call the Southern Nevada Health District Immunization Clinic’s Perinatal Hepatitis B Program at (702) 759-1306.