Question
“Dear doctor! I am a carrier of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) with a ’ surface antigen+ ’ status, and my HDA virus test is negative. I would like to inquire about the maternal-infant transmission blockade measures implemented at the time of my child’s birth. After my child was born, we administered a single dose of hepatitis B immune globulin (100 units) and a single dose of hepatitis B vaccine, respectively, in his right arm and buttocks. However, due to his history of pneumonia, during the recovery period, we only reinforced a single dose of hepatitis B immune globulin (100 units) on the 31st day, and the second dose of hepatitis B vaccine was delayed until two and a half months after his birth. I want to know if such a vaccination schedule will affect the effectiveness of the maternal-infant transmission blockade?”
Answer
“Based on the information you provided, your main concern is the vaccination schedule for the hepatitis B vaccine. Typically, the vaccination schedule for the hepatitis B vaccine involves administering a single dose of hepatitis B immune globulin and a single dose of vaccine immediately after birth, followed by another dose one month later, and then a third dose at six months. Alternatively, one can administer a single dose of hepatitis B immune globulin at birth and then simultaneously administer another dose of hepatitis B immune globulin and vaccine one month later, followed by separate doses at one month and six months. According to your description, the vaccination seems not to have followed the aforementioned standard schedule. Theoretically, this may affect the production of hepatitis B antibodies. Therefore, it is recommended that you bring your child to the hospital for a hepatitis B antibody test to determine if antibodies have been produced in their body. If antibodies are not detected, timely re-vaccination should be administered. Moreover, there are no strict regulations regarding the injection site, so you need not worry too much.”