Infants born to HBV positive mothers should be given HBV immunoglobulin (HBIG) within 12 hours of birth; which, in combination with the vaccine at birth, reduces the risk of transmission by up to 95%.
All newborns, regardless of their mothers HBV status, should receive four doses of HBV vaccination (at birth, two months, four months,and either six or 12 months). Babies born to HBV positive mothers should be tested three months after the final dose to ensure they are protected.
Breastfeeding does not increase the risk of HBV transmission and should not be discouraged. Importantly, all women with HBV following delivery should be referred for ongoing HBV management and care.