The Claim:
An online discussion between Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and Senator Rand Paul (R-KY), both physicians, asks whether or not it is worth it to give the Hepatitis B vaccine to babies who were just born.
The Facts:
Hepatitis B (Hep B) can spread through sex, but that’s not the only way. It can also pass from a mother to her baby during birth. Some people think babies are safe because mothers get tested, but in the U.S, about 25,000 babies will be exposed to hepatitis B each year.
If someone gets Hepatitis B, it can turn into chronic (long-term) Hepatitis B. This can last a lifetime and cause serious problems like liver damage, cirrhosis (scarring of the liver), or liver cancer. The younger you are when you catch Hepatitis B, the more likely it is to become chronic. There is no cure for Hepatitis B, but vaccines can stop people from getting it.
Thanks to the Hep B vaccine, especially the dose given at birth, cases have gone way down around the world. By vaccinating babies right away, we can protect more people, lower the spread of Hep B, and prevent diseases linked to it.
Disclaimer: Science is always evolving and our understanding of these topics may have evolved too since this was originally posted. Be sure to check out our most recent posts and browse the latest Just the Facts Topics for the latest.
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