The importance of a preschool booster for children born to hepatitis B-positive mothers

摘要: Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is associated with cirrhosis, hepatic failure and hepatocellular carcinoma in later life. The risk of developing chronic inversely related to age at infection, ranging from 90% babies born mothers who are e-antigen-positive. WHO, therefore, recommends universal childhood immunisation commencing birth.1 In the UK, endemic HBV transmission contributes only a small proportion new infections, most cases arising immigration established carriers.2 Universal vaccination, does not meet currently acceptable criteria for cost-effectiveness.3 Instead, selective strategy targeting high-risk groups, including infants HBV-positive women, has been adopted.4 As part this approach, UK historically recommended booster dose individuals continued around 3–5 years after primary immunisation. antenatal screening was implemented April 2000 consistently achieved high coverage rates …