Study recommends universal infant HBV immunization

All countries should offer universal infant immunization against the hepatitis B virus, according to Christopher Mackie, the lead author of a  McMaster University public health analysis published in the January 20  issue of the Canadian Medical Association Journal.

Epidemiological studies suggest that roughly one-third of chronic  hepatitis B infections are acquired during infancy and early childhood.

In Canada, British Columbia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island are  the only provinces to offer universal hepatitis B vaccination to  infants. The incidence of acute hepatitis B in BC is now consistently  below the national average, after years of having a higher incidence  rate. Globally, 98% of universal hepatitis B immunization programs are  offered in infancy.