Perinatal Hepatitis B Prevention Program
In 1992, the state of Florida passed a regulation requiring the testing of all pregnant women for the hepatitis B
virus. Today, the Perinatal Hepatitis B Prevention Program is mandated by Florida Administrative Code 64D-3013(6).
The purpose of this program is to identify pregnant women who test positive for the hepatitis B virus and coordinate
or provide treatment for their infants to prevent the transmission of the virus. The Advisory Committee on
Immunization Practices (ACIP) has made the following recommendations regarding the testing for HBsAg and anti-HBs and
vaccination of infants born to HBsAg mothers:
- Infants born to women who are HBsAg-positive will receive Hepatitis B Immune Globulin (HBIG) and three doses of
hepatitis B vaccine.
- The HBIG and first dose of hepatitis B vaccine should be given within 12 hours of birth, as long as the infant is
physiologically stable.
- Infants will be tested for HBsAg and anti-HBs 3 to 9 months after completing the hepatitis B series to determine
the success of therapy.
- Successful immunization results in a positive anti-HBs and negative HBsAg.
Infants who are negative for anti-HBs and HBsAg can follow one of the two following options:
- Give a fourth dose of hepatitis B vaccine and retest in one month. If the test is still negative, give the fifth
and sixth doses of hepatitis B vaccine based on the recommended schedule and retest HBsAg and anti-HBs one month
after the completion of the second series of shots.
- Give a complete second series of hepatitis B vaccines and retest one month after completion.
(Specific authority 381.0011(6), (13), 381.0013(2), 381.006, 384.25(2), 384.33 FS. Law Implemented 381.0011(4), (6),
(8), 381.003(1), 381.0031, 384.25(2), 384.27 FS. History-New 12-29-77, Amended 6-14-78, 6-7-82, 11-6-85, Formerly
10D-3.91, Amended 7-5-87, 7-19-89, 2-26-92, 10-20-93, 11-1-94, 7-21-96, Formerly 10D-3.091, Amended 7-5-99, 6-4-00.)
Without the administration of the Hepatitis B Immunoglobulin (HBIG) and hepatitis B vaccines, 90% of infected infants
will become chronic hepatitis B carriers. These children are then infectious to others, and at high risk for
developing serious liver disease, cirrhosis or primary liver cancer.
In Alachua County, the Perinatal Hepatitis B Prevention Program Coordinator is Isabel Anasco, RN, BSN. When a pregnant
woman tests HBsAg-positive, the perinatal hepatitis B coordinator sends an alert to the hospital or birth center
where the woman plans to deliver. The coordinator works with the hospital or birth center to assure the infant
receives the HBIG and first hepatitis B vaccine. She also coordinates the follow-up care and vaccinations of the
infants with the health department or private provider. The coordinator must update all information regarding the
care and follow-up of the mother and infant to the statewide perinatal hepatitis B registry.
All hepatitis B vaccines and follow-up testing for the infant are free of charge at the Alachua County Health
Department. No appointment is necessary to obtain the hepatitis B vaccines or the testing; however, it is advisable
to call in advance to expedite the services.
Contact Information
| Contact |
Number |
| Isabel Anasco, RN, BSN |
(352) 334-7981 or (352) 334-8842 |
| Fax |
(352) 334-7935 |
Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns.
|
