Modeling the synergy of maternal screening and newborn HBV vaccination
Researchers found that lower newborn hepatitis B vaccination coverage among infants born to unscreened mothers was associated with a substantial increase in HBV infections. The study estimated that a vaccination coverage of 80% resulted in a tenfold reduction in additional infections compared to 10% coverage.
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection at birth or during early infancy can lead to lifelong health complications. An estimated 12% to 16% of pregnant individuals in the US are not screened for hepatitis B, leaving newborns at risk. Researchers at Boston Medical Center and Boston University used simulation modeling to examine the impact of newborn vaccination coverage and maternal screening on HBV infection rates. The study found that lower vaccination coverage among infants born to unscreened mothers was associated with a substantial increase in HBV infections. When vaccination coverage was 10%, the model projected over 1,000 additional infections, compared to just over 100 when coverage was 80%. The researchers concluded that maintaining high vaccination coverage is crucial to protecting infants from HBV infection.
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