The goal of Snohomish Health District's (SHD)
Perinatal Hepatitis B Prevention Program is to reduce the incidence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in infants born to hepatitis B
infected (HBsAg positive) mothers. SHD and the Washington State Department of Health are working to achieve this goal through
case management of HBsAg pregnant women, their newborn infants, and household/sexual contacts. Individuals at risk for HBV
infection are identified and followed for recommended immunizations and blood testing to ensure protection against hepatitis
B infection.
According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) transmission of HBV perinatally, and during early childhood,
causes increased chronic HBV infections. Children that are chronically infected have a higher rate of death due to cirrhosis
and liver cancer. These infections can be prevented in 90% of at risk newborns with timely identification and treatment.
At Snohomish Health District, we provide blood testing and hepatitis B immunizations for infants and household/sexual contacts
of hepatitis B positive women.
The Perinatal Hepatitis B coordinators at SHD monitor the program by:
Receiving notification of HBsAg positive mother's blood test.
Notification of the mother and her healthcare provider about SHD's program.
Following up with the delivery hospital regarding care of the infant.
Notifying the mother and infant's care provider when hepatitis B immunizations and testing are due.
Case reporting to Washington State's Department of Health
The goal of Snohomish Health District's (SHD)
Perinatal Hepatitis B Prevention Program is to reduce the incidence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in infants born to hepatitis B
infected (HBsAg positive) mothers. SHD and the Washington State Department of Health are working to achieve this goal through
case management of HBsAg pregnant women, their newborn infants, and household/sexual contacts. Individuals at risk for HBV
infection are identified and followed for recommended immunizations and blood testing to ensure protection against hepatitis
B infection.