(May 15, 2026) – About 90 percent of infants infected with hepatitis B at birth develop a chronic infection. This can be prevented by administering the HepB vaccine within 24 hours of birth. In recognition of Hepatitis Awareness Month, the
Immunize Kansas Coalition developed a
campaign for parents and caregivers, emphasizing the importance of the HepB birth dose. When babies receive the HepB vaccine at birth, they are protected during their most vulnerable period, as many people, including caregivers and family members, may not know they have hepatitis B. IKC's new
HepB birth dose social media toolkit and
print materials were developed in collaboration with the Kansas Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Kansas Hospital Association. You will also find the recording and slide deck from KAAP's webinar,
Strengthening Confidence in the Hepatitis B Birth Dose, which offers free continuing medical and nursing education credits.
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Karen Braman