If the mother tests positive for hepatitis B during pregnancy, what is typical for the newborn after birth?

• A. No intervention needed
• B. Only the Hepatitis B vaccine
• C. Only Hepatitis B immune globulin
• D. Hepatitis B immune globulin and vaccine

Answer: (D)

Preventing mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B relies on providing both immediate and long-term protection to the newborn. When the mother is hepatitis B–positive, the baby is at high risk of acquiring infection during birth. Giving hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) delivers immediate, passive antibodies that neutralize the virus right after birth, offering short-term protection. At the same time, administering the hepatitis B vaccine at birth primes the infant’s own immune system to produce protective antibodies, establishing lasting immunity. The combination of HBIG and vaccine at birth, typically within 12 hours, markedly reduces transmission risk and sets up durable protection with the full vaccine series follow-up. Breastfeeding is generally allowed, since the infant receives the necessary prophylaxis.