A pregnant woman is expecting to deliver in two months. She expresses concern about the immunization schedule for her upcoming baby, particularly the hepatitis B vaccine. What information should be explained to the patient?

Explanation

• The first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine is usually administered at birth, but it can also be given within the first two months of life. The second dose should be given one month after the first dose. The third dose must be given when the child is between 6 and 18 months old.

• Hepatitis B vaccine is not effective if the infant is already infected with hepatitis B. The vaccine is intended to prevent the hepatitis B infection, but it is not used as a curative agent in the presence of infection.

• If an infant is born to an infected mother, hepatitis B can be prevented if the infant receives hepatitis B immune globulin and the first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine within 12 hours of birth.

• The vaccine must be directly administered to the infant, not the mother.

• Breast milk offers many benefits, but it does not protect an infant from hepatitis B.

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