Universal Screening and Vaccination for Hepatitis B in Pregnancy: The Time Is Now

Obstet Gynecol. 2020 Apr;135(4):808-811. doi: 10.1097/AOG.0000000000003706.

Abstract

Recommendations for screening for hepatitis B immunity in pregnancy and vaccinating susceptible women vary among professional societies. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends vaccinating high-risk women for hepatitis B. However, only one fourth of U.S. adults have received a complete hepatitis B vaccination series. Because two thirds of individuals with chronic hepatitis B are unaware of their diagnosis, risk-based screening for immunity followed by vaccination of susceptible women may not identify and protect all women at risk. Acquisition of hepatitis B poses short-term and long-term risks to maternal and fetal health, an outcome that can be prevented by vaccination. Hepatitis B vaccination in pregnancy is safe and efficacious and can be completed during the course of prenatal care. Universal screening for hepatitis B immunity and vaccination of susceptible women in pregnancy should be a priority during prenatal care. Cost-effectiveness studies are needed to validate this approach.

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Hepatitis B / diagnosis*
  • Hepatitis B / prevention & control
  • Hepatitis B Vaccines / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Mass Screening
  • Maternal Health Services*
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / diagnosis*
  • Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / prevention & control
  • Prenatal Diagnosis*
  • United States
  • Universal Health Care
  • Vaccination

Substances

  • Hepatitis B Vaccines